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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A coalition of 16 states has accused the Trump administration of attempting, for a second time, to undermine a federal court order that blocked the cancellation of roughly $1bn in school mental health grants, arguing that the Department of Education is effectively trying to terminate funding through indirect means. The grants, established by Congress to expand access to school-based mental health services, were previously halted by the administration on the grounds that they conflicted with its policy priorities. However, a federal judge ruled in December that the cancellations were unlawful and ordered the department to reassess each grant using proper procedures and objective performance data rather than political considerations. The states now argue that, instead of complying with that ruling, the department is imposing new administrative hurdles, such as additional reporting requirements, shortened funding timelines, and delays in disbursing funds, that disproportionately affect certain grantees, particularly those in states involved in the lawsuit. They claim these actions are designed to “starve” programs of funding and create justification for eventual termination, in violation of the court’s injunction. During a hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson expressed skepticism about the department’s approach, questioning whether singling out certain grantees aligned with the spirit of the ruling and suggesting the actions could reflect bad faith. The Department of Education, however, denied any wrongdoing, stating that differences in treatment reflect varying circumstances among grantees and broader budgetary constraints, and that it remains compliant with the court order. A written ruling from the court is expected in the near future.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California’s school smartphone restrictions are sparking state and local disputes as districts prepare policies ahead of a July 2026 deadline. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi scaled back AB 1644 after resistance, exempting high schools from a proposed bell-to-bell ban while arguing that “the evidence is overwhelming” that stricter bans work. Supporters say full-day restrictions protect focus, especially for older students, while opponents cite local control, educational uses and emergency concerns. Districts are adopting varied approaches, from sealed pouches to limited lunchtime use. The debate is also expanding into broader questions about screen time, digital wellness, AI in schools and whether classrooms should return to more paper-based learning.
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Education Slice
Texas
This week, over 42,600 students will receive award notifications under the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, as announced by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. "These awards put tens of thousands of Texas families one step closer to the educational path that works best for their children," Hancock said. The program prioritizes low- and middle-income students with disabilities, with 63% of applicants having documented disabilities. A significant portion, 74%, plans to use the funds for private schooling. Houston Independent School District leads in applications, with over 12,000 submitted statewide. The comptroller's office will conduct a lottery for additional awards in the coming weeks, with students having until July 15 to confirm their enrollment in a participating school or opt for homeschooling.
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Education Slice
Florida
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program has seen over 13,000 families participate just four months after its launch, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Established in 2005-06, the VPK program offers free prekindergarten to all 4-year-olds, focusing on literacy and math, regardless of family income. Since its inception, more than 3.1 million students have benefited. Parents can also receive a $100 bonus upon applying. DeSantis emphasized the program's success, stating, "This is a huge thing to have this many people signing up so soon after the launch." Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Stasi Kamoutsas highlighted the initiative's goal of prioritizing families, saying, "It's called putting students first." The program is part of a broader effort to enhance early childhood education and financial planning for families.
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