Teaching about 9/11 has shifted from shared memories to historical context for students who weren’t alive in 2001. Educators now focus on critical thinking, primary sources, and lessons of hope to explain its lasting impact.
President Donald Trump announced new Department of Education guidance to protect prayer in public schools at a Sept. 8 Religious Liberty Commission hearing. Critics argue the move promotes Christian nationalism rather than broad religious freedom.
Trump has pushed to dismantle the Education Department, but his new spending law gives it major new responsibilities, including expanded Pell Grants and loan repayment plans. The move ironically strengthens the agency he wanted to shut down.
The Supreme Court allowed the Education Department to proceed with mass layoffs while a court fight rages on. But not all the firings were technically reversed.
New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise. Meanwhile, parents are skeptical of options outside of the traditional college pathway to work.
Seven Arkansas families are suing to block a law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, arguing it violates their constitutional rights. The lawsuit claims the law promotes specific Christian beliefs and creates a religiously coercive environment.
The Trump administration is targeting K12 public schools that refuse to eliminate DEI programs, launching investigations and threatening to cut federal funding. At least 19 states are pushing back, leading to lawsuits and a growing national debate.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority seems sympathetic to the Catholic Church’s bid to create the nation’s first religious charter school in Oklahoma, a potentially major expansion of the use of taxpayer money for religious education.
The case is a being closely watched by disability rights groups who say the courts have created a “nearly insurmountable barrier” for help sought by schoolchildren and their families.
Spending on youth sports now averages $3,000 annually, with many families hoping for college scholarships or pro careers despite long odds. Rising costs have led to financial strain and lifestyle sacrifices, fueling calls for a shift back to affordable, local recreational sports.
The Supreme Court will hear a case from parents who want to opt their children out of LGBTQ+-inclusive books in public schools, citing religious beliefs. Schools argue the books promote respect and inclusion, not religious coercion.
The Trump administration recently slashed $900 million in education-related research contracts and more than $600 million in educator preparation grants. Both cuts will affect students with disabilities, experts say.
Current and former staffers, financial aid officers and previous education secretaries are doubtful the office that helps students pay for college won't be disrupted by mass layoffs and resignations.
Educators nationwide have said that their students returned to classrooms after the pandemic with lower academic skills than before and it's been a challenge to catch kids up.
