Every week our newsroom monitors the news for the top stories in education from a variety of sources ranging from the mainstream media to blogs and other analysis, and compile them for you. Here’s the latest in education:
Supreme Court decision could have widespread impact on school curricula
Hechinger Report
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a group of Maryland parents who wanted to opt their children out of reading LGBT+ storylines. The opinion was 6-3 on ideological lines, with Justice Alito writing in the majority opinion, “a government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses ‘a very real threat of undermining’ the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill.” In response, the National Education Association released a statement presenting its concern that parents could opt out of a broad spectrum of lessons due to this precedent.
3 things to know about school choice in the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’
K-12 Dive
On July 4 Congress passed the “one, big, beautiful bill” which is a tax and spending package. It includes the first federally funded private school choice program, which will be available to parents nationwide. This means that there will be a federal tax credit to support the cost of private K through 12 school tuition. Not only will it cover private school tuition but it will also cover homeschooling costs, therapy, transportation, and technology. To qualify for this program, families must earn under 300% of their local area’s medium income. This tax credit will begin after December 31, 2026. This bill hopes to promote school choice for families across the country.
Exclusive: White House announces AI education pledge
Axios
The Trump Administration has announced a pledge that will provide a framework for AI education in K-12 public schools all throughout the country. This commitment focuses on curriculum development and educational materials that can benefit from the inclusion of AI tools and programs. These new forms of technology show the promise of benefitting student academic outcomes and improving instruction methods for teachers in the classroom. This approach ties into the economy and workforce that will be shifting to increased AI focus over the next decade. 60 companies have signed on to the agreement – including Microsoft, Adobe, and McGraw Hill. This plan is set to be titled the “AI action plan” and will be carried out as an executive order in its current form by President Trump.
California schools are scrambling as Trump administration withholds almost $811 million
CalMatters
California is looking to fill in gaps designated for education funding after the Trump administration withheld nearly $811 million in funding to the state for K-12 education. This money was set to go to California in the form of federal grants and would cover teacher development, after school programs, enrichment opportunities, and more. California education officials have stated that these cuts will cause lasting harm to students, teachers, and parents in the state. Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction in California, has said that he is looking to sue the Trump Administration over these proposed cuts in education. President Trump decided to pause the funding due to concerns over DEI policies in California, as well as transgender sports policies that are at odds with his administration in terms of public policy. The battle over education funding in California has been going on for months and there is potentially no end in sight.
Ohio schools must set AI policies by mid-2026
Axios Columbus
Under Ohio’s newly passed state budget, all public K-12 schools are required to create and implement policies governing the use of AI in the classroom by the end of July 2026. The Department of Education and Workforce will release a statewide model policy to lead districts. The law also includes a statewide ban on student cellphone use during class, coming into effect in January 2026. These requirements signal a shift towards the use of AI, such as ChatGPT, as a learning resource, and wishes to minimize distraction concerns in the classroom.
Trump admin withholds $94 million for Massachusetts K-12 schools.
Axios Boston
Massachusetts is in a $94 million funding gap hole for schools K-12 as President Trump’s administration holds off on releasing federal education funding. This delay in funding deals a major blow to Massachusetts summer school and after school programs as well as English-Language instructions and other resources. The Education Department said in a last-minute notice that the funds would not be released while the programs were under review, according to the School Superintendents Association.
The Unseen Divide: How the Teacher Diversity Gap Shapes K-12 Education
Dallas Weekly
In more than half of the United States, the ratio of students of color and teachers of color, is 58 to one. In some cases it’s even higher. Students of color are more likely to benefit and succeed in their education if they have at least one faculty member of color, dropout rates decreased by almost 40% for low income, black boys when they have an African-American teacher. Additionally, teachers of color are more likely to be culturally relevant to their classroom and create community understanding. Closing the teacher diversity gap will provide students across the nation with better outcomes and accurately reflect diversity in schools.
Oklahoma superintendent slammed for unfunded school lunch mandate
News Nation
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters is facing backlash after ordering school districts to provide free lunch to all students without allocating additional funds to support the mandate. He threatened to revoke state funding or accreditation for noncompliance, sparking criticism from lawmakers and educators who call the move unenforceable and financially unrealistic. Walters accused districts of misusing taxpayer dollars but offered no evidence. Critics note districts already face tight budgets, with administrative costs capped by law. Lawmakers argue he lacks the authority to mandate spending changes and label the move as political theater. Advocates say true reform requires legislative funding, not threats or mandates.
Learning Policy Institution
Back in March, Congress and President Trump passed a bill that provided over $45 billion in K through 12 educational support. The US Department of education would provide allocation tables by July 1 that would allow states to budget and access funds accordingly. As of June 30, many states hadn’t received tables for many critical programs. This includes migrant education programs that help immigrant children meet academic standards, and graduate on time. as well as the 21st-Century Community Learning Center Program that helps provide after school and summer activities for students and families in low performing and underserved schools. If there continues to be a delay, many programs risk being canceled and funding that states heavily rely on will expire and return back to the US treasury.
