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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new guidance indicating it will no longer rely on the landmark 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. decision when enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), raising concerns about potential implications for K-12 special education. The ruling established that unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination and emphasized access to community-based services. Researchers warn that the DOJ's revised enforcement approach could discourage schools from prioritizing independent living skills in transition planning for students with disabilities. However, the guidance does not overturn Olmstead or change existing requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates transition planning beginning by age 16, including independent living goals when appropriate. Vanderbilt University special education professor Meghan Burke has emphasized that schools must continue preparing students for employment, further education, and community living, despite uncertainty surrounding federal enforcement priorities.
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Education Slice
California
California students have shown slight improvements in math and English language arts, with 49.3% scoring proficient or advanced in English and 38.4% in math for the 2025-26 academic year. However, these figures remain below pre-Covid levels, where 51.7% and 39.7% met standards in 2018-19, respectively. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, said: “Today’s results tell a story of continued progress, but also of the work that remains ahead.” Disparities persist, particularly among racial and socioeconomic groups, with Black and Latino students making gains but still lagging behind their peers. The achievement gap remains significant, with 61.1% of socioeconomically disadvantaged students not meeting English standards. Despite investments in literacy programs, early reading proficiency has not improved significantly yet.
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Education Slice
Texas
In Texas, the implementation of Senate Bill 13 aimed to enhance parental oversight in public school libraries, leading to the formation of school library advisory councils (SLACs). However, many councils have struggled with low community engagement and minimal feedback from parents. Bridget Melton, a member of the McKinney ISD library council, questioned the effectiveness of these councils, stating: "What was the point of creating this?" Despite the bill's intent, public attendance at SLAC meetings has been sparse, with some councils reporting no book challenges or comments from the community. As the 2027 legislative session approaches, state leaders are considering stricter regulations on library materials, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatening penalties for districts that do not comply. Mary Woodard, a retired librarian, expressed concern that the legislation was influenced by "political activists" disconnected from local needs, stating: "They created a problem where there wasn't necessarily a huge problem."
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Education Slice
Florida
Florida education officials have enacted a new rule prohibiting private schools associated with terrorist organizations from receiving state voucher funds. This decision follows the designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a domestic terrorist group. The rule, approved during the State Board of Education's meeting on October 14, aims to comply with state law HB 1471, which defines domestic terror groups and restricts funding for affiliated schools. This change could significantly impact Islamic private schools, as any affiliation with CAIR may lead to the loss of scholarship funding. "Some schools were concerned about being targeted by a false association with things like Sharia," said Hiba Rahim, deputy executive director of CAIR's Florida chapter. The rule reflects a broader trend in Florida's education policy under Governor Ron DeSantis, intertwining educational funding with political and cultural issues.
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