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The Trump administration is moving to restrict access for undocumented students to federally funded early childhood, dual-enrollment, and postsecondary career and technical education programs. This initiative, led by the U.S. departments of Education and Health and Human Services, aims to classify these programs as similar to welfare, thereby excluding undocumented immigrants. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: “The department will ensure that taxpayer funds are reserved for citizens and individuals who have entered our country through legal means.” Critics, including Julie Sugarman from the Migration Policy Institute, warn that these changes could create a chilling effect on families seeking educational opportunities. The new rules could significantly impact programs like Head Start, which has historically been open to all children meeting federal requirements. “This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future,” commented the National Head Start Association in a Thursday statement. “Attempts to impose such a requirement threaten to create fear and confusion among all families who are focused on raising healthy children, ready to succeed in school and life.”  

 

USA Today

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K-12 Dive

Los Angeles Times

The recent tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump significantly reduces federal funding for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which experts warn will adversely affect schools and students. Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses, noted: “That's a huge funding cut for schools,” emphasizing the potential harm to children and families. The bill imposes work requirements that could lead to fewer parents qualifying for benefits, further limiting access to free school meals. As states bear more costs, they may restrict eligibility for SNAP, impacting the number of students who can receive free meals. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that federal funding for SNAP will decrease by $186bn by 2034, which could result in fewer children receiving essential food assistance and negatively affect their educational outcomes.

 

Education Week News

Florida's higher education system is undergoing significant changes under Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is pushing a conservative agenda that has sparked controversy and resistance. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reported that "what is unfolding in Florida is horrifying," highlighting the impact of new laws that restrict diversity and inclusion programs. DeSantis has also established an alternate accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education, which could diminish faculty influence. Critics argue that the administration is attempting to impose a specific ideological agenda on students. The situation has led to protests and legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the ACLU against Senate Bill 266, which limits discussions on diversity. As DeSantis continues to reshape Florida's universities, the implications for academic freedom and governance remain a pressing concern.

 

The Bradenton Times

Concerns have been raised regarding a federal funding freeze that could result in Palm Beach County losing over $30m for the 2025-2026 school year. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), along with local officials, urged federal lawmakers to release the essential funds, which support after-school care and summer programs. Alonza Lloyd, a junior at Florida International University, expressed his worries, stating, “It just honestly breaks my heart because it not only affects the family, but it affects the students and young children the most as well.” The funding pause, part of a review by the Trump administration, threatens vital services for low-income families, with significant implications for educational support and community stability.

 

Sun Sentinel

Thirty campuses in the Pasco County school district are preparing to implement two artificial intelligence (AI) models in the upcoming academic year. Principal Latoya Jordan of Lacoochee Elementary School expressed her enthusiasm, noting: "I'm interested to see how it can help," as she aims to focus on individual academic needs of students. This initiative is designed to personalize lessons and enhance the learning experience for students.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The Broward Teachers Union is preparing for a crucial recertification vote, which will determine its future. This vote comes two years after a state law made it more difficult for public-employee unions to operate. Union president Anna Fusco expressed confidence, saying: "I think we're going to have a good turnout." The ballots, mailed to all teachers, will be counted on Monday, and a majority vote is required for the union to continue. The Florida Education Association reported that around 100 other education unions in the state have successfully held elections. However, the legislation mandates annual recertification, requiring unions to maintain a supermajority of dues-paying members. Fusco noted that the Broward union's membership is currently at about 55%. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, emphasized that all participating unions have voted for recertification, highlighting the determination of educators to maintain their voice at work.

 

Sun Sentinel

In a reflective piece, Bruce Lear, a veteran educator with 38 years in public schools, discusses the challenges teachers face today compared to the past. He recalls moments of "classroom lightning," where discussions became spontaneous and engaging, but notes that such moments are increasingly rare. Lear highlights the impact of political decisions, such as the gutting of Iowa's public sector bargaining law and the regulation of classroom discussions, which have contributed to a decline in teacher morale and autonomy. He urges voters to hold politicians accountable and encourages parents to support teachers by being involved in their children's education. "If we don't, we'll have full classrooms, empty of qualified teachers," he warns, emphasizing the need for collaboration and trust in the teaching profession.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

In a piece for Education Week Ian Knox, principal of Hamagrael Elementary School in upstate New York, emphasizes the importance of trust in school leadership, describing it as "one of the most essential forms of capital a leader has." He cites research by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss published in the Harvard Business Review, titled: “Managing People: Begins with Trust," and outlines three actionable steps for school leaders to build trust: demonstrating empathy by valuing challenges, leading with authenticity by acknowledging limitations, and modeling logic through consistent judgment. By prioritizing these elements, school leaders can create a supportive environment that addresses the social and emotional needs of students, ultimately fostering a thriving school community.

 

Education Week News

A new bill introduced in the House aims to regulate college sports by providing limited antitrust protections for the NCAA and prohibiting schools from using student fees to fund athletic programs. Co-sponsored by seven Republicans and two Democrats, the SCORE Act seeks to establish national standards for name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments, which have gained prominence following a $2.78bn lawsuit settlement. The legislation also includes provisions to protect Olympic programs and mandates that schools with high-earning coaches offer at least 16 sports programs. The bill's restrictions on student fees could significantly impact funding strategies for athletic programs, as many schools are exploring ways to cover the costs associated with athlete compensation.

 

AP News

USA Today

The federal government significantly underreported the number of international students in the U.S. last year by over 200,000, according to corrected data from the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) released by the Department of Homeland Security. Chris Glass, a professor at Boston College, highlighted this discrepancy, commenting: “It's critical data at a moment when people are paying close attention to the number of international students in the U.S.” The revised figures show a year-over-year growth of 6.5%, aligning with data from the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, which reported a record number of international students for the 2023-24 academic year. The situation has sparked ongoing debates regarding international student visas, particularly in light of recent legal battles involving institutions like Harvard.

 

CNBC

According to a study reported by Inside Higher Ed, recommendation letters for Black, Hispanic, first-generation, and other marginalized student groups are often shorter and less detailed than those for their white and Asian counterparts. The analysis of over 600,000 letters revealed that private school students received letters that were, on average, 20% longer than those for public school students. Julie J. Park, an admissions researcher at the University of Maryland, emphasized the need to consider the context of opportunity when evaluating these letters. She said: “If you are going to keep letters, you need to be reading them with the context for opportunity in mind.” The findings raise questions about the necessity of recommendation letters in the college admissions process.

 

EdSource

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has honored Tony Cattani and Damon Lewis as the 2025-26 National Principals of the Year. Cattani, principal of Lenape High School in New Jersey, was recognized for his innovative peer observation system that enhances teacher collaboration and professional growth. He expressed his emotional reaction to the award, stating, "It made everything worthwhile." Lewis, principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Connecticut, aims to improve equity in education and increase access for marginalized students. He shared his motivation for switching to education, saying, "I thought to myself: How selfish is it of me to continue this business route?" The principals were selected from a group of six finalists for their focus on improving school culture and climate, battling absenteeism, and finding effective ways to help teachers grow in their jobs.

 

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