All articles tagged with #k 12 schools
Twenty-four states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over its decision to freeze over $6 billion in federal education grants for K-12 and adult education, citing the abrupt and unexplained halt just weeks before the school year begins, which threatens various educational programs and teacher training efforts.
The Trump administration has withheld nearly $7 billion in federally approved K-12 education funds, citing misuse concerns and ongoing reviews, prompting legal and political opposition from educators, lawmakers, and advocacy groups who argue the move is illegal and could severely impact school programs and services.
General Mills announced it will remove artificial colors from all its U.S. cereals and foods by 2027, including a commitment to eliminate synthetic dyes from school offerings by 2026, aligning with broader industry moves to address health concerns related to food additives.
President-elect Trump is taking a hard stance on education, threatening to cut federal funding for K-12 and higher education institutions that do not align with his views on diversity, equity, inclusion, and transgender rights. This includes potential taxation of endowments and punitive measures against schools promoting 'wokeism.' With a GOP-majority Congress, Trump's administration may find it easier to implement these changes, posing significant challenges to academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Schools are preparing for potential funding cuts and policy shifts, particularly concerning Title IX and research funding.
Donald Trump and JD Vance propose significant changes to the U.S. education system, including dismantling the federal Education Department, promoting school choice through vouchers, and opposing diversity and transgender protections in schools. They criticize higher education for suppressing conservative speech and support less regulation on AI. Their policies also include rolling back Obama-era protections for transgender students, opposing affirmative action, and promoting workforce development. Trump's past actions include attempts to privatize education, alter school meal standards, and change Title IX regulations.
A Pew Research Center study surveyed public K-12 teachers, teens, and the American public to understand their perspectives on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity in schools. The report reveals that teachers feel debates on these topics have negatively impacted their ability to teach, with 71% believing they lack influence over the curriculum. While most teachers think students should learn about the ongoing impact of slavery, opinions on teaching gender identity vary. Additionally, the study shows that teachers' views on these issues differ based on political affiliation, with Democratic teachers more supportive of inclusive education.
More than a quarter of Tennessee's public K-12 schools could face corrective action and audits after receiving Ds or Fs under a new grading system. The controversial letter grading system, which advocates argue provides transparency for parents, has been criticized for favoring standardized test proficiency over overall academic growth. Schools that receive low grades may be required to follow a corrective plan or face academic and financial audits starting in the 2024-25 school year. Nearly half of the schools that received Fs are within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district. Critics argue that the system stigmatizes public schools and fails to capture the complexity of school performance.
Elon Musk plans to open a university in Austin, Texas, with a focus on STEM education. The university, which will offer instruction by experienced faculty, aims to provide hands-on learning experiences in subjects like math, science, engineering, and physics. Musk's charity, The Foundation, has filed a tax exemption application for the university and plans to contribute $100 million towards building STEM-focused primary and secondary schools as well. The university will seek accreditation and the K-12 schools will focus on teaching STEM subjects and other topics. This is not Musk's first venture into education, as he previously opened Ad Astra and Astra Nova for his children and a small number of other students.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen expressed disappointment that despite an increase of $324 million in state aid to K-12 schools, property taxes for local education still rose by $85 million. While 92 school districts were able to lower or maintain their property tax collections, 188 districts voted to override the 3% revenue cap, leading to the overall increase. Pillen's plan aimed to reduce property taxes, but many districts faced rising costs and were unable to achieve a dollar-for-dollar decrease. The governor plans to work with senators to further reduce property taxes and cut significant dollars from payments.
Michigan lawmakers have approved an $82 billion budget plan that includes increased funding for K-12 schools and universities. The budget will allocate a record $21.4 billion for K-12 education, with a $611 million increase in per-pupil funding. The plan also includes funding for special projects and initiatives, such as $40 million for a county jail, $35 million for fire stations, and $50 million for downtown development. Critics argue that the budget is irresponsible and fails to address critical infrastructure needs. The budget largely uses up the state's surplus, leaving about $400 million unallocated.
GOP presidential candidates are vying for the support of Moms for Liberty, a powerful faction of the Republican Party that has gained influence through its endorsements in local school board races. Moms for Liberty, which aims to defend parental rights, has successfully backed conservative candidates who have implemented policy changes in schools, such as banning books with "sexualized content" and implementing neutrality policies that restrict LGBTQ pride symbols and preferred pronouns. While the group does not plan to endorse a presidential candidate, its growing membership and messaging networks have propelled state legislation and inspired progressive groups seeking to counter its influence.
Wisconsin lawmakers have reached a bipartisan deal to save Milwaukee from bankruptcy by allowing the city to raise sales taxes without voter approval as part of a larger local government and K-12 schools funding plan. The GOP-controlled Legislature agreed to spending an additional $1 billion on K-12 schools, along with increasing payments to families whose children attend taxpayer-funded private voucher schools. The plan would increase funding to counties, cities, towns, and villages with under 110,000 population by at least 20%. The bill would also cut aid to communities that reduce the number of police officers and firefighters and ban public health officials from ordering businesses closed for more than 30 days.
Wisconsin has reached a bipartisan deal to provide cash-strapped Milwaukee with a lifeline to avoid bankruptcy, allowing the city to raise sales taxes without voter approval as part of a larger local government and K-12 schools funding plan. The GOP-controlled Legislature agreed to spending an additional $1 billion on K-12 schools, along with increasing payments to families whose children attend taxpayer-funded private voucher schools. The plan would increase funding to counties, cities, towns and villages with under 110,000 population by at least 20%. Milwaukee officials have warned about dire consequences and deep cuts as the city faces bankruptcy by 2025.
Two Michigan school districts, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Flint Community Schools, have banned students from bringing backpacks to campus due to safety concerns. Grand Rapids Public Schools made the decision after confiscating the fourth handgun from a student's backpack this academic year. The ban will be in place "until further notice." The Flint ban was approved by the Board of Education and district administrators and is supported by the Flint Police Department. The decisions come at a time when schools across the US are struggling with how to prevent and prepare for mass shootings on campuses.