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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The Trump administration is transferring key Education Department responsibilities, including special education programs and civil rights enforcement, to the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice as part of its broader effort to dismantle the Education Department. The move follows similar transfers of education-related functions to the Labor and Treasury departments and is intended to demonstrate that the agency’s responsibilities can be distributed across the federal government without congressional approval to formally close the department. Under the plan, oversight of special education programs, including administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and roughly $15bn in federal funding for students with disabilities, will move to HHS. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights will increasingly rely on the Justice Department to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints involving schools and colleges. Administration officials said students will retain all existing legal protections and argued the changes will improve coordination and enforcement. However, disability advocates, civil rights groups, and former Education Department officials warned that splitting responsibilities across agencies could weaken oversight, complicate complaint processes, and undermine protections for students.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
The Trump administration is transferring key Education Department responsibilities, including special education programs and civil rights enforcement, to the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice as part of its broader effort to dismantle the Education Department. The move follows similar transfers of education-related functions to the Labor and Treasury departments and is intended to demonstrate that the agency’s responsibilities can be distributed across the federal government without congressional approval to formally close the department. Under the plan, oversight of special education programs, including administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and roughly $15bn in federal funding for students with disabilities, will move to HHS. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights will increasingly rely on the Justice Department to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints involving schools and colleges. Administration officials said students will retain all existing legal protections and argued the changes will improve coordination and enforcement. However, disability advocates, civil rights groups, and former Education Department officials warned that splitting responsibilities across agencies could weaken oversight, complicate complaint processes, and undermine protections for students.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
According to the latest State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results, Texas elementary and middle school students have shown stagnation in reading while making gains in math and social studies. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said: “We are encouraged by continued gains in mathematics,” highlighting the increase in students succeeding in advanced math courses. Reading scores for third graders dropped to 49%, while seventh graders improved slightly to 54%. In contrast, math scores saw improvements across most grades, with social studies also showing a two-point increase for eighth graders. The results come after new laws aimed at enhancing classroom instruction, including a ban on cellphones in public schools. The education agency plans to release science results later this year, and Texas is set to phase out STAAR in favor of shorter assessments starting in the 2027-28 academic year.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently affirmed that all school districts must accommodate parents seeking to excuse their children for religious instruction. In his opinion, Uthmeier stated: "Florida law, consistent with the Supreme Court's decisions in Zorach and Mahmoud, prohibits public schools from restricting parents' efforts to direct the religious upbringing of their children." This ruling follows a May 14 update by the Florida Board of Education, which mandates that schools allow absences for religious instruction and holidays, ensuring these are counted as excused absences. The new rules, effective June 17, require principals to collaborate with parents to minimize disruption during core classes. Board member Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized the importance of balancing rigorous education with opportunities for religious instruction, stating it is "near and dear to his heart." The changes come amid a broader push for religious expression in schools, with parents encouraged to prioritize faith in their children's upbringing.
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