Federal Policy

News, analysis, and opinion about federal education laws, regulations, and proposals—and their impact
A home router and internet switch are displayed on June 19, 2018, in East Derry, N.H. Telecommunications industry groups on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, ended their bid to block California's net neutrality law that prevents broadband providers from throttling service. In a federal court filing in Sacramento, the groups and California Attorney General Rob Bonta jointly agreed to dismiss the case.
A home router and internet switch are displayed on June 19, 2018, in East Derry, N.H.
Charles Krupa/AP
Ed-Tech Policy FCC’s ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules Struck Down. Could This Mean Slower Internet for Schools?
Many schools fear that without the policy protection internet service providers could slow down the flow of content to schools.
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, January 3, 2025
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5 min read
Scarlett Rasmussen, 8, watches a video on her tablet as mother, Chelsea, administers medication while they get ready for school, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at their home in Grants Pass, Ore. Chelsea, has fought for more than a year for her daughter, Scarlett, to attend full days at school after starting with a three-day school week. She says school employees told her the district lacked the staff to tend to Scarlett’s medical and educational needs, which the district denies. Scarlett is nonverbal and uses an electronic device and online videos to communicate, but reads at her grade level. She was born with a genetic condition that causes her to have seizures and makes it hard for her to eat and digest food, requiring her to need a resident nurse at school.
Scarlett Rasmussen, 8, watches a video on her tablet as mother, Chelsea, administers medication while they get ready for school, May 17, 2023, at their home in Grants Pass, Ore. The Education Department has scrapped a proposal that would have changed the process for how schools bill Medicaid for services they provide to students.
Lindsey Wasson/AP
Special Education Biden Administration Scraps Medicaid Change for Special Ed. Services
The proposal aimed to streamline how schools bill Medicaid for the mental health and medical services they provide to students.
Brooke Schultz, January 2, 2025
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4 min read
President Jimmy Carter gets a round applause as he passes out pens at the White House in Washington, Oct. 17, 1979 following the signing legislation establishing a Department of Education. From left are: Dr. Benjamin Mays former president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Rep. Jack Brooke (D-Texas), Carter, Sen. Abraham Ribicoff (D-Connecticut).
President Jimmy Carter gets a round of applause as he passes out pens at the White House in Washington, Oct. 17, 1979, following the signing of legislation that established a federal department of education. From left are: Dr. Benjamin Mays, former president of Morehouse College in Atlanta; Rep. Jack Brooke, D-Texas; Carter; and Sen. Abraham Ribicoff, D-Conn. Carter died on Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100.
Charles Tasnadi/AP
Federal Jimmy Carter and Education: Highlights of a Long Record on School Policy
The 39th president oversaw the creation of the U.S. Department of Education.
Mark Walsh, December 31, 2024
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5 min read
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter waves to the congregation after teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on April 28, 2019. Carter, 94, has taught Sunday school at the church on a regular basis since leaving the White House in 1981, drawing hundreds of visitors who arrive hours before the 10:00 am lesson in order to get a seat and have a photograph taken with the former President and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Former President Jimmy Carter waves to the congregation after teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Ga., on April 28, 2019. He died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100.
Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via ZUMA Press
Federal Jimmy Carter's Education Legacy Stretched From the School Board to the White House
The 39th president helped create the U.S. Department of Education. He had also been a school board member and an education-minded governor.
Mark Walsh, December 29, 2024
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19 min read
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AP
Education Funding Video What's in Store for School Funding in the New Trump Administration
EdWeek reporter Mark Lieberman outlines three areas he'll be watching when it comes to school finance under a new Trump administration.
Mark Lieberman & Kaylee Domzalski, December 27, 2024
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2:57
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AP
English Learners Video What 2025 Could Bring for English Learners
A lot happened with the nation’s growing English-learner population in 2024. Here's a look, and a preview of the year ahead.
Ileana Najarro & Kaylee Domzalski, December 26, 2024
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3:08
Photo of Social Security benefits form.
iStock
Teaching Profession Many Educators Across America Are on the Verge of a Retirement Benefits Boost
A bill removing restrictions on Social Security benefits for some teachers is headed to Biden's desk.
Mark Lieberman, December 23, 2024
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7 min read
Photograph of a Hispanic elementary school girl writing at her desk in a classroom setting
E+
English Learners Q&A What’s Ahead for the 5.3 Million English Learners in Our Schools?
If English learners do well, the whole nation will, says the outgoing director of the federal office of English language acquisition.
Ileana Najarro, December 19, 2024
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6 min read
Image of school lunch - Then and now
Liz Yap/Education Week with iStock/Getty and Canva
Federal Then & Now Will RFK Jr. Reheat the School Lunch Wars?
Trump's ally has said he wants to remove processed foods from school meals. That's not as easy as it sounds.
Evie Blad, December 17, 2024
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6 min read
A close up photograph of an electric school bus charging at a charging station.
iStock/Getty
Education Funding Will Trump Cut Climate Funds for Schools? Here's What Could Happen
Tax credits for energy-efficient HVAC systems and electric school buses could go away once Republicans take control of Congress.
Mark Lieberman, December 17, 2024
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8 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Policy & Politics Opinion Larry Ferlazzo’s 9 Education Predictions for 2025
The education community should brace itself for a tough year ahead.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 17, 2024
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2 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Policy & Politics Opinion The Best and Worst Education News of 2024
There was plenty to celebrate in public education this year, but not all was rosy.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 16, 2024
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5 min read
Artistic image of multiple paths leading to a school building.
Laura Baker/Education Week via Canva
School Choice & Charters Trump Wants to Expand Private School Choice. Does the Public Agree?
Both fans and opponents of private school choice argue that public sentiment is on their side.
Alyson Klein, December 12, 2024
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4 min read
Former President Donald Trump speaks as he arrives in New York on April 15, 2024.
President-elect Donald Trump speaks as he arrives in New York on April 15, 2024. Trump pledged on the campaign trail to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education in his second term.
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via AP
Federal How Trump Can Hobble the Education Department Without Abolishing It
There is plenty the incoming administration can do to kneecap the main federal agency responsible for K-12 schools.
Alyson Klein, December 12, 2024
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9 min read
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