Statewide universal school meal programs are experiencing financial strain as state legislatures struggle to keep up with the unexpected demand from students eating free meals. According to the Food Research & Action Center, nine states implement their own universal school meal programs. Those states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,…
On August 7, 2025, Illinois became the first state to require school districts to provide universal mental health screenings for students when SB 1560 was passed into law. Under the law, which goes into effect for the 2027-28 school year, Illinois schools will receive access to free screening tools and…
As it continues its efforts to hand over more authority to states regarding how they spend their federal funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) encouraged all states to seek waivers from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). On July 29, 2025 the USDE stated the requirements under that…
As it continues its efforts to hand over more authority to states regarding how they spend their federal funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) encouraged all states to seek waivers from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). On July 29, 2025 the USDE stated the requirements under that…
On July 25, 2025 the Trump administration signed on to a court-approved agreement temporarily pausing enforcement of recent policy changes that restrict some education-related federal programs (i.e., Head Start, dual enrollment, adult education, and CTE) based on students’ immigration or citizenship status. The agreement, filed in U.S. District Court for…
Because of their heavy reliance on state and federal funding, rural schools are disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal funding for public education, according to an analysis from the Center for American Progress. In many states, rural public schools already receive less funding than non-rural ones…
As a result of $6.2 billion in federal K-12 grant money that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) is withholding from states and school districts, it is likely that they will be forced to cancel after-school programming, services for English learners and professional development. The funding that has already been…
On June 26, 2025 the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) reversed prior guidance that canceled spending extensions for federal K-12 pandemic relief funds. States that were preapproved for the extended spending deadlines can now request reimbursements and liquidate their funds. In a letter to states not suing over the USDE’s…
In an effort to promote better treatment and protection of students with disabilities, a new Florida law will require public K-12 schools to develop curriculum on disability history and awareness. As per the law, during the first two weeks of October students will learn about disability history and different types…
According to annual accountability ratings released by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on June 20, 2025, a total of 37 states or territories need assistance for meeting special education targets for students ages 3-21. Only 19 states and the Republic of the Marshall Islands meet requirements, and two educational…
