Federal Policy
News, analysis, and opinion about federal education laws, regulations, and proposals—and their impact
Federal
Trump's K-12 Record in His First Term Offers a Blueprint for What Could Be Next
In his first term, Trump sought to significantly expand school choice, slash K-12 spending, and tear down the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal
Q&A
Oklahoma State Chief Ryan Walters: 'Trump's Won the Argument on Education'
The state schools chief's name comes up as Republicans discuss who could become education secretary in a second Trump administration.
Federal
Why Trump and Harris Have Barely Talked About Schools This Election
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump haven't outlined many plans for K-12 schools, reflecting what's been the norm in recent contests for the White House.
School & District Management
Many Schools Have Lead in Their Drinking Water. What the Feds Are Doing
A new federal rule cracks down on lead pipes in public water systems. But that focus is unlikely to have a limited effect in schools.
Federal
Explainer
The U.S. Department of Education, Explained
There's a lot of talk—again—about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Here's what it does and how it works.
Federal
The White House Set Out to Recruit Thousands of Tutors. Did It Make a Difference?
Adults stepped up, but students' needs remain high just as interventions funded by federal relief money are at risk of ending.
Federal
Opinion
Education Is an Afterthought in This Election. That’s a Problem for All of Us
What does it say about our country if presidential candidates walk away from education policy? asks Bettina L. Love.
Federal
Opinion
Project 2025's Education Lead on the Controversial Policy Agenda
Here’s what the lead author of the education section in the Heritage Foundation’s proposal has to say.
School Climate & Safety
How Did School Discipline Get Dragged Into the Presidential Election?
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have different track records on racial disparities in school discipline.
Federal
Moms for Liberty Co-Founder Would Be 'Honored' to Be Trump's Education Secretary
The conservative education activist is "as much in the mix as anyone," according to a former GOP congressional staffer.
Education Funding
ESSER Is Ending. Which Investments Accomplished the Most?
Districts have until Sept. 30 to commit their last round of federal COVID aid to particular expenses.
Federal
Opinion
Project 2025 Might Feel New, But Its Roots Reach Back Decades
It represents the culmination of a movement to gut public education, writes Bettina L. Love.
Student Well-Being
How Free School Meals Became an Issue Animating the 2024 Election
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has highlighted his state's law to provide free school meals to all students as he campaigns for vice president.
Federal
At Moms for Liberty National Summit, Trump Hardly Mentions Education
In a "fireside chat" with a co-founder of the parents' rights group, the former president didn't discuss his education policy priorities.