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7th April 2025
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THE HOT STORY
Supreme Court backs Trump on education grants
On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the termination of approximately $65m in education grants aimed at teacher training. The case involved grants awarded under the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development programs. The 5-4 decision overturned a lower court's ruling that had blocked the administration's move, which was based on a new policy opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the dissenting liberal justices, while Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern that grant recipients would face significant program cancellations. The Department of Education argued that the grants promoted "objectionable DEI material," leading to their cancellation. A lawsuit was filed in March by eight states including California, Massachusetts and New York, on behalf of entities that receive the grants, such as universities and nonprofits, saying the decision to rescind the awards violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The case only involves grants issued to entities in the states that sued. In total, the Department of Education canceled about $600m in grants for teacher training.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
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SCHOOL CHOICE
Trump admin urged to expand K-12 choice
Bruno V. Manno, senior adviser at the Progressive Policy Institute, argues the Trump administration can expand K-12 public school choice without Congress by leveraging existing federal programs and executive orders. He outlines five strategies: boosting charter and magnet schools; funding microschools and learning pods through Title I and IDEA; expanding open and dual enrollment; and growing career pathway programs using Perkins and Labor Department funds. He urges rigorous accountability to ensure quality outcomes. Manno says this strategy supports family choice, decentralizes education authority, and aligns with the administration’s January executive order promoting alternatives to geographically assigned schools.
FINANCE
Georgia boosts funding for private school vouchers
Georgia's new budget allocates $37.8bn in state funds, with a focus on private school vouchers and support for impoverished students in traditional schools. The Senate approved the budget with a 54-1 vote, while the House voted 170-5. Notably, $141m is designated for a new voucher program, potentially providing over 21,000 vouchers at $6,500 each. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Blake Tillery remarked, “It's a one-time pilot. We're going to watch this,” regarding the $15.3m aimed at schools serving low-income students. This marks the first time Georgia will directly fund education for poor students, as 36% of public school students come from impoverished households. The budget also includes tax credits for parents and a new subsidy for employers to assist with childcare costs.
LEGAL
Parents fight for transparency in Milwaukee schools
Three conservative groups have filed a complaint against Milwaukee Public Schools, alleging that the district's gender inclusion guidance violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. The complaint, filed with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Pam Bondi, claims that the district's "Gender Support Plan" allows for gender transitions to be concealed from parents. Luke Berg, deputy counsel for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, stated, "Part of the problem here is that the parents whose rights are being violated don't actually know it." The complaint requests a federal investigation and the termination of federal funding if the policy is not rescinded, emphasizing the need for parental notification regarding children's gender transitions. The groups argue that such secrecy can harm children and families, particularly those dealing with gender dysphoria.
NUTRITION
California's school meal funding at risk
California's federal aid for school meals, exceeding $3bn annually, is under threat due to the Trump administration's policies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned Governor Gavin Newsom that compliance with federal directives is necessary to secure funding. "This flies in the face of our moral obligation to care for our country's children," said a state education official. The aid supports over 80% of students in Los Angeles USD, who rely on free or reduced-price meals. The situation is complicated by a California law ensuring free meals for all students, which Newsom signed with the expectation of federal support. Critics argue that the Trump administration is using food aid as a political tool, jeopardizing children's access to essential nutrition.
LEADERSHIP
Michigan education chief Michael Rice announces retirement
Michael Rice, the Michigan State Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced his retirement effective October 3, after six years of service. In a statement, Rice expressed, “It's been an honor to serve Michigan's 1.4m public school children.” Pamela Pugh, president of the State Board of Education, praised Rice for his commitment to “putting children first,” highlighting achievements such as the state's highest four-year graduation rate of 82.8% in 2024 and efforts to address educator shortages. Rice has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ protections and diverse curriculum representation. He previously served as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools and began his career teaching French in Washington, D.C. Rice holds degrees from Yale University and New York University.
CURRICULUM
Digging deep: encouraging learning through gardens
School gardens provide a unique learning environment that transcends traditional education. Through hands-on experiences, students engage in lessons that encompass various subjects, including math and English/language arts. In Washington, D.C., the FoodPrints program by FRESHFARM collaborates with 21 public elementary schools to integrate gardening, cooking, and nutrition into the curriculum. This program equips teachers with resources and lessons that connect food to core subjects, such as exploring the “Three Sisters” planting method or using cooking to reinforce multiplication.
EARLY YEARS
Florida tackles childcare crisis head-on
New legislation in Florida, introduced by Rep. Fiona McFarland, aims to alleviate the ongoing childcare crisis by reducing regulations and costs for early learning providers. The proposed House Bill 47 includes key reforms such as tax exemptions for preschools, reduced regulatory requirements, and online teacher training at no cost. It also addresses insurance loopholes for home-based providers and extends licensure exemptions for employer-provided childcare while maintaining essential safety protections. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the $4.47bn annual cost of childcare, which has led to 282,000 Floridians leaving the workforce to care for children. Kelly Romanoff from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation praised McFarland’s efforts, emphasizing the need for modernized childcare regulations to enhance educational quality.
PRIVATE EDUCATION
Transforming schools into community hubs
As K-12 student populations decline, many public school buildings are underutilized, prompting discussions on their future. In Florida, some districts are considering various options, including converting surplus schools into affordable housing or even cemeteries. The James Madison Institute suggests that these buildings could serve as spaces for private education providers, addressing the growing demand for private schooling. “Getting zoning approval for a new school in Southern Florida typically takes 12-18+ months,” reports a 2025 study by Teach Florida, highlighting the challenges faced by education entrepreneurs. Rep. Jennifer Canady is advocating for the removal of regulatory barriers, proposing that private and charter schools should have priority access to these surplus spaces.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Columbia must notify students before document release
In a ruling on Friday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian mandated that Columbia University must provide detained activist Mahmoud Khalil and other students with 30 days' notice before releasing any documents to Congress regarding antisemitism investigations on college campuses. While the judge did not block the university from complying with congressional requests, he allowed the students to amend their request for a temporary restraining order. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg described the ruling as a “victory for credible oversight,” emphasizing the importance of investigating antisemitism in education. Khalil, facing deportation for his protests against Israel, and his legal team expressed their commitment to challenging the congressional efforts, stating, “We now know that the government is testing the First Amendment's limits.”
INTERNATIONAL
Taliban's education ban sparks protests
In Afghanistan, the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary education has led to significant internal conflict among its officials. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, publicly criticized the ban, stating: "The Taliban was committing an injustice" by denying girls education. This division is particularly evident between hardline members in Kandahar and more moderate officials in Kabul. Despite some officials advocating for girls' education, the Taliban's leadership remains resistant to change. As a result, many families are risking their lives to flee Afghanistan for better educational opportunities for their daughters. Currently, around 2.2m girls are deprived of education, with little indication that the Taliban will reverse its policies.
AND FINALLY......
Philadelphia parents call for more joy in schools
In Philadelphia, parents and caregivers are advocating for a "Chief of Joy" position in schools to address issues of disproportionate discipline against Black students and inadequate emotional support. During a City Council meeting, advocates from Lift Every Voice emphasized the need for schools to be welcoming environments. Councilmember Kendra Brooks stated, “Joy is a serious intervention. Joy is not a luxury, it's a necessity.” The group is pushing for policies that prioritize student well-being, including a minimum recess policy. While the school district supports these initiatives, budget constraints and staffing shortages pose challenges. Parent advocate Keisha Nicholson highlighted that “disinvestment is violence,” urging leaders to consider the impact of funding decisions on marginalized communities.

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