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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
House Democrats are urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to abandon plans to dismantle the Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), warning the move could weaken support for more than 5m English learners across the United States. In a letter sent May 12, lawmakers argued that eliminating the standalone office would disrupt oversight of federal English learner programs, including nearly $890m in Title III funding and educator training grants. Under the Trump administration’s proposal, OELA’s responsibilities would be redistributed across other federal agencies and Education Department offices as part of a broader effort to “return education to the states.” Critics, including educators and English learner advocates, said dissolving the office risks undermining accountability and reducing specialized expertise needed to help schools meet legal obligations to English learners. Concerns have intensified after OELA staffing was reduced to a single employee during wider federal workforce cuts. Republican lawmakers supporting the plan argued the restructuring would streamline operations and integrate English learner programs more efficiently into broader education services. However, Democrats said Congress may pursue legislative options to preserve or reinstate OELA, including potential amendments requiring the office to remain permanently within the Education Department. The dispute comes amid broader federal policy changes affecting immigrant students and English learners, including the rollback of previous federal guidance on language access and immigration-related protections in schools.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
As California Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to unveil the 2026-27 state budget revision, three key numbers are pivotal for TK-12 funding. Newsom initially withheld $5.6bn from education, citing revenue volatility, but school leaders argue this violates Proposition 98, which mandates funding for schools. "Diverting $5.6bn from our students isn’t some maneuver or adjustment, it’s a violation of our state constitution," said Cecily Myart-Cruz, President of United Teachers Los Angeles. Additionally, a 2.87% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected, which may not fully cover rising expenses. A potential $10bn surplus for education could significantly impact funding, with legislative leaders promising to allocate the withheld funds. The May revision will clarify how these funds will be used, with discussions on ongoing COLA increases and special education funding also on the table.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating 29 public school districts in Texas to ensure compliance with a recent appeals court ruling requiring the display of Ten Commandments posters in classrooms. Paxton said: "Texas school districts must comply with Texas law by displaying the Ten Commandments and taking a school board vote regarding the implementation of prayer time in schools." Many districts, including Cypress-Fairbanks and Galveston, are puzzled by the investigation, believing they are already compliant. Some districts had previously removed the posters based on guidance from Paxton's office due to ongoing litigation. The ruling from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the constitutionality of the law but did not specify a deadline for implementation. As the end of the school year approaches, districts are preparing to display the posters for the 2026-27 school year.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida's teachers unions are facing significant challenges due to a new state law that complicates their ability to remain active. Thomas Bugos, president of the Seminole Education Association, expressed "great concern" that many local unions may close, risking representation for thousands of teachers. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, requires unions to secure over 50% of votes from all teachers in recertification elections, a shift from the previous requirement of a majority of those who voted. Bugos described the situation as "scary" for unions and the teachers they represent, viewing the changes as part of a broader attack on public education. The Florida Education Association has gained 4,000 new members since the bill's passage, but many unions still fear decertification. Andrew Spar, president of the statewide union, stated that the new law is a clear indication that the administration does not prioritize workers' rights.
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