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USA
4th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

President Trump signs bill to end shutdown, preserving K-12 funding

Congress has narrowly approved legislation to end a partial U.S. government shutdown, passing the funding bill by a 217–214 vote before President Donald Trump signed it into law. The $1.2tn measure restores funding for much of the government through the end of the fiscal year, while temporarily funding the Department of Homeland Security until mid-February to allow further negotiations over immigration enforcement. It keeps funding flat for most major K-12 programs, including Title I for low-income students, special education under IDEA, professional development, and support for English learners. The budget rejects Trump administration proposals to cut billions from education, while stopping short of blocking efforts to shift Education Department responsibilities to other agencies. Instead, it requires closer consultation with Congress and provides nearly $400m for department staff compensation. Funding was also restored for smaller agencies such as AmeriCorps and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, giving schools and education providers greater certainty ahead of the next academic year.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
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ENROLLMENT

Enrollment in private school choice skyrockets

Enrollment in private school choice programs has significantly increased in recent years, with Republican-led states investing billions in subsidies for families. These programs include vouchers for private school tuition, education savings accounts (ESAs), and tax-credit scholarships. Chris Lubienski, a professor of education policy at Indiana University Bloomington, said: "There's a lot of questions here that really could have pretty profound impacts that aren't necessarily evident yet." As of now, twenty-eight states are set to participate in a new federal tax credit program, further complicating the landscape of private school choice. While some states see soaring demand, others struggle with capacity and funding issues. The push for expanded access continues, with advocacy groups like EdChoice aiming for universal eligibility in private school choice programs. However, accountability and transparency concerns are rising, prompting scrutiny of how funds are utilized.

Changing trends emerge in California special education enrollment

McFarland USD in California has experienced an unexpected increase in students requiring special education services, with enrollment rising from 248 students in 2014-15 to 449 in 2024-25. Superintendent Aaron Resendez noted: "We had far more students with special needs enroll at the lower grade levels than we anticipated." This trend reflects a broader state and national pattern, as the percentage of students qualifying for special education has increased from 13% to 15% in California since 2018-19, despite an overall decline in student enrollment. Factors contributing to this rise include improved identification of disabilities, reduced stigma, and pandemic-related disruptions. However, funding challenges persist, as federal and state resources do not adequately cover the growing costs associated with special education, leading to budget strains for school districts.

LEGISLATION

Indiana lawmakers push culture-focused education bills

A wave of Indiana education bills has advanced through the General Assembly, reflecting conservative priorities on classroom rules and content, while several high-profile proposals stalled. Measures moving forward include tighter bans on student cellphones and wireless devices during the school day, new instruction promoting a “success sequence” linking marriage and employment to avoiding poverty, acceptance of the Classical Learning Test for college admissions, a broad deregulation bill affecting school governance, a ban on certain food additives in school meals, and restrictions requiring transgender students to use bathrooms based on sex at birth. Meanwhile, key bills failed to progress, including a bill requiring water safety education, and a proposal to allow Lake County schools to receive local income tax revenue to offset losses from property tax relief. “It appears to be dead at this point,” said Scott Bowling, executive director of the School Association of School Business Officials.

Ohio GOP pushes resolution supporting dismantling of U.S. Education Department

Republican lawmakers in Ohio are set to introduce resolutions in both chambers of the state legislature formally pledging support for the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The measures argue that education is a responsibility best left to states and local communities, claiming decades of federal involvement have failed to improve student outcomes while increasing regulation and costs. The resolution, closely aligned with language from the America First Policy Institute, would urge Congress to dissolve the federal department and establish a state task force to plan how Ohio could assume control of federally run education programs, potentially declining to administer some mandates. Supporters say the move would give states greater flexibility while retaining federal funding, whereas teachers’ unions warn it could weaken protections for disadvantaged students, destabilize special education and Title I funding, and increase inequality across school districts.

DISTRICTS

Anchorage schools face 500 layoffs under new budget proposal

Anchorage School District officials are proposing significant budget cuts to address a projected $90m deficit for the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt said: "We're laying off dozens of employees in departments across the district," which includes over 500 staff positions and increased class sizes. The budget, totaling approximately $601m, also proposes eliminating various sports programs and special service positions. Despite these challenges, Bryantt noted improvements in student outcomes, including higher graduation rates, and increased math scores. The district is also considering an $11.8m education tax levy to help mitigate the impact of these cuts, which could reduce the pupil-to-teacher ratio increase from +4 to +2 if approved. The proposed budget will be reviewed by the Anchorage School Board later this month.

POLICY

Texas warns schools they could face state takeovers over student protests

The Texas Education Agency has warned school districts that they could face state investigations, funding losses or even takeovers if they are found to have encouraged or facilitated student walkouts to attend political protests. The guidance followed an order from Gov. Greg Abbott directing the education commissioner to investigate student demonstrations against recent killings by federal immigration officers. State officials said districts could face penalties ranging from unexcused absences and reduced funding to disciplinary action against educators and the replacement of elected school boards with state-appointed managers. Several districts, including Austin ISD and Hays CISD, said they did not endorse the protests, but stressed they could not physically stop students from leaving campuses. Teachers’ actions and student arrests during some protests have intensified scrutiny, heightening tensions between state leaders and school systems over political expression, discipline and local control.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Campus safety concerns rise for women

An analysis by Washington State researchers reveals that female college students aged 18 to 24 are 74% more likely to experience sexual violence. Following a reported rape at UC Irvine's Camino del Sol housing, students have expressed heightened fears for their safety. Destiny Anderson, an educational science major, stated: "You can’t be by yourself at night... It just feels unsafe." The increase in reported incidents of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) crimes across California campuses may stem from improved awareness and reporting processes. Stett Holbrook, associate director at the University of California Office of the President, noted that "improved Clery Act reporting and campus security response measures have contributed to an increase in reported VAWA crimes." Experts emphasize that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher than reported, as many survivors do not disclose their experiences. Lauren Roberts, founder of The Thriving Initiative, highlighted that "the numbers that are reported are not accurate" due to underreporting.

Milwaukee Public Schools upgrades security tech

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is implementing new OPENGATE weapons detection screeners in its middle and high schools, enhancing security while allowing students to keep their backpacks on during screenings. The district invested over $2m in 78 screening systems, with a full rollout expected by April 15. Kevin Hafemann, the district's emergency operations manager, emphasized the importance of balancing safety and efficiency: "This technology really finds that balance." The updated scanners aim to reduce delays and false alarms associated with older models, which required students to remove personal items. MPS is also committed to maintaining student privacy, as the system does not collect personal data. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure safety in schools, which includes regular assessments and training for staff and students.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Ohio Gov. DeWine rolls out statewide $10m school bus safety upgrade program

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has awarded $10m in school bus safety grants to 371 school districts, schools and county boards across the state, aimed at improving student and driver safety through upgraded equipment and new safety features. The funding follows recommendations from the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, created after a fatal 2023 bus crash, and supports measures such as external cameras, crossing arms, lane-departure warnings, and improved bus lighting. Districts will use the grants to enhance visibility and safety during student pick-up and drop-off, particularly in rural and low-light areas, while the state has also outlined 17 broader recommendations including stronger penalties for traffic violations near buses and improved driver evaluations. 

TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing education with AI tools

St. Louis-area schools are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into educational practices to enhance learning experiences for students. Matt Carmody, a seventh-grade math and science teacher at Lindbergh School District's Sperreng Middle School, utilizes the SchoolAI platform to create AI chatbots that assist students with topics like rational numbers. Colin Davitt, Lindbergh's director of artificial intelligence and blended learning, emphasized the importance of teaching students to use AI ethically: "It's our responsibility to teach them how to use this ethically and responsibly." A recent survey by the Center for Democracy and Technology revealed that 85% of U.S. teachers and 86% of students used AI in their classrooms during the 2024-2025 school year. However, the report also highlighted potential risks associated with AI, urging school leaders to establish guidelines and provide training for effective use.

INTERNATIONAL

Giant homework sheets go viral in China as parents seek fun ways to motivate children

Some parents in China are turning to giant-sized homework papers to motivate their children, a trend that has gone viral on social media while also dividing public opinion. Supporters say the oversized test sheets make studying more engaging and help children focus, with several parents reporting that their kids enjoyed the novelty and even asked for more. However, others say the approach backfired, with some children treating the huge papers as toys and becoming more resistant to studying once they realized it was homework. The debate comes amid ongoing efforts by the Chinese government to reduce academic pressure and encourage more balanced, “happy education” approaches, highlighting the tension between creativity in parenting and the country’s traditionally intense study culture.
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