USA Today

Kids are ditching traditional college for career tech programs. Parents are concerned

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.

Arkansas families suing to block Ten Commandments in public classrooms, libraries

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.

Public schools that refuse to follow Trump’s DEI directive are now in the crosshairs

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.

Recap: Supreme Court has heated exchange in blockbuster religious charter school case

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.

Disabled child’s fight for fair treatment could help others—or raise bar for discrimination claims

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.

Survey: Parents shell out $3K annually on kids sports with college, pros in mind

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.

Are cute children’s books teaching kids about gender and sexuality? Supreme Court to weigh in

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.

Could IEPs become more frustrating for parents of kids with disabilities?

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.

With hundreds fewer workers, can the Federal Student Aid office still function?

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.

Schools closed and went remote to fight COVID-19. The impacts linger 5 years later

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.

America’s post-Department of Education landscape: What would it look like?

Amid layoffs and a likely order by Trump to close the U.S. Department of Education, a new dawn for students is coming. Will it be bright or bleak?

After monthlong pause, Trump admin resumes investigating disability complaints at schools

Investigators have resumed reviewing complaints of disability-based discrimination, according to a memo signed by Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. But advocates worry complaints involving multiple forms of bias will remain on hold.

Judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE from Education Department’s personnel information

A U.S. District Judge granted a temporary restraining order against the government until March 10, ruling that “unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs’ sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify.”

Trump gave schools 2 weeks to ban DEI. Lawyers say it’s not that simple

The Education Department is threatening to withhold federal funds from schools that don't comply with new guidance, prompting administrators to reflect on their values and comfort levels with risk.

Judge lets DOGE access Education Department’s student databases while lawsuit plays out

Court documents provide new information about the six-person DOGE team slashing contracts and grants at the agency.