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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The U.S. Department of Education has encouraged states to apply for waivers from key provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to shift greater control over education policy to the states. In response, several states, including Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma, have proposed or implemented changes spanning federal funding, standardized testing, and school accountability, such as consolidating multiple funding streams into flexible pools, introducing alternative or expanded testing options, and redirecting school improvement funds directly to students rather than institutions. While state leaders argue these measures will reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and allow more targeted academic support, critics warn they could weaken accountability systems, reduce transparency, and risk diverting resources away from disadvantaged groups, including English learners. Most proposals remain under review, with Iowa the only state so far to have secured approval, and others at various stages of consideration or revision.
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Education Slice
California
The California Department of Education has filed a lawsuit against Oakland USD, alleging it failed to address multiple complaints of antisemitism on its campuses. The lawsuit, initiated in early March, follows complaints from Jewish advocacy groups regarding pro-Palestinian materials and curricula. The department seeks a court order to compel the district to implement corrective actions outlined in a January 23 decision, which included condemning antisemitism and consulting Jewish organizations for training. District officials have requested additional time to comply with these directives. Additionally, two Jewish advocacy groups have sued the state, claiming it has allowed antisemitic harassment to persist in California public schools.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas parents now have an additional two weeks to apply for the state's new school voucher program, following a federal judge's decision to extend the deadline to March 31. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett expressed concern over the lack of approved Islamic schools, calling it "troubling." Several Islamic schools are suing Comptroller Kelly Hancock, alleging discrimination against their religion in the $1bn program. Eric Hudson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the application process does not disadvantage parents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations' Texas chapter welcomed the extension, stating: "All families, regardless of their faith, deserve equal access to educational opportunities supported by public programs." Over 200,000 Texas families have applied for the vouchers, which provide financial assistance for private and religious education.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida has enacted a new law, HB 851, mandating that all 67 school districts provide at least one annual autism-specific professional learning opportunity for instructional personnel and school-based administrators. This legislation, carried by freshman Rep. Rob Long, aims to enhance the education of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by focusing on evidence-based strategies. Long explained: "For families navigating autism, the quality of teacher preparation can make an enormous difference in a child’s experience at school." The law reflects a growing trend to expand support for students with autism, differing from other states that typically target specialized educators. Alongside this, Long has supported additional measures to improve firefighter benefits and address harmful chemicals in the environment.
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