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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The U.S. Department of Education is more than six months late in releasing its latest Civil Rights Data Collection, a nationwide survey that tracks issues such as bullying, harassment, disability services, internet access, school discipline, and educational opportunities across public schools. Researchers, advocates, and lawmakers rely on the data to identify inequities and shape policies, including proposals to expand access to Advanced Placement courses, increase school counseling services, and address disparities in school discipline. The Education Department has not explained the delay, although observers point to recent staffing reductions, government disruptions, and broader changes within the agency as possible factors. The uncertainty comes as the department prepares to move its Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice, raising questions about the future of the data collection. Education advocates warn that without current information, policymakers and school leaders have limited visibility into whether students' civil rights are being protected, making it more difficult to identify problems and target resources where they are most needed.
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Education Slice
California
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond expressed his concerns regarding Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed overhaul of the California Department of Education. Thurmond learned about the plan through a text message last year, which aims to appoint an education commissioner to oversee the state's public school system serving 6m students. He criticized the legislation as a “rushed, behind-closed-doors” process and noted that it lacks a clear educational outcome. “I just wish that they had done it by going to the voters,” Thurmond said, emphasizing the importance of voter input. He also mentioned that the proposal could weaken the role of the superintendent, stating, “What they've proposed as the alternative duties for the state superintendent are a complete weakening of what's already a very weakened position.” Meanwhile, Alex Traverso, a spokesperson for the State Board of Education, defended the reforms, claiming they would enhance accountability and coherence in serving students.
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Education Slice
Texas
The Texas Education Agency’s PASS program will provide $400 grants to families of third graders who did not meet grade level on the 2026 STAAR reading exam, including eligible students who have advanced to fourth grade. The money can fund literacy tutoring through approved providers, individual teachers, or specialists such as dyslexia therapists. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said, “Getting to third grade proficiency in reading is particularly important to unlock all the rest of education.” The program is separate from Texas Education Freedom Accounts.
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Education Slice
Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed HB 7031E, which exempts the Escambia Children's Trust and similar organizations from tax increment revenue payments. This legislation, effective July 1, clarifies that Children's Services Councils are not required to contribute to community redevelopment trust funds. Escambia Children's Trust Executive Director Lindsay Cannon said: “As communicated previously, ECT's position has been that the existing statutory framework did not require TIF assessments on Children's Services Councils.” The Children's Trust has previously paid $1.2m in TIF payments to Escambia County and $1.8m to Pensacola. The new law is expected to allow the trust to allocate more funds towards children's programs, enhancing their services and support for families in need. Cannon emphasized the trust's commitment to collaboration with local governments to improve outcomes for children in Escambia County.
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