Every week our newsroom pulls together the top stories in education so you don’t have to:
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s cellphone ban in schools advances
Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska law makers proposed a statewide ban on student cell phone use in schools. The bill passed its first legislative round with a 44-0 vote, with the education committee voting 7-0. This bill not only prohibits cell phone use in the classroom, but also on field trips and anywhere on school grounds. If the bill gets passed it will go into effect for all Nebraska public schools for the 2025-26 school year.
The South Surges Academically in Alternative View of National Exam
The 74
The recent release of the NAEP (Nation’s Report Card) shows that southern states, like Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Missipsisi, are higher-performing than most northern states. Although the NAEP scores are adjusted based on demographics, race, and poverty levels. Mississippi was ranked highest for adjusted scores in fourth and eighth grade math, and fourth grade reading. New education policies throughout the country have played a role in many states’ success. Many experts have argued whether or not to use stats adjusted versus raw scores for comparisons.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announces plans for department’s ‘final’ mission – ABC News
ABC News
Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced plans for a ‘final’ mission for the department. This announcement comes after President Trump had previously declared to dismantle the Department of Education and give power back to individual states on the issue of education policy. McMahon says that this ‘final’ mission will be an overhaul of the Department of Education and that parents should have a say in the education of their children, as well as the freedom to choose the best school for their children based on unique needs. Additionally, McMahon stated that DEI policies will be rooted out of schools and classrooms throughout the country, putting the priority back on learning essential skills and academic subjects, such as math and science. President Trump is able to control how much funding the agency receives through executive order but to dismantle the department fully, he will need an act from Congress to move forward with these efforts.
US Education Department to investigate DC schools’ treatment of disabled students
NBC4 Washington
The Department of Education is investigating the Washington, D.C. Public School System for allegations that the school district is not meeting the needs of disabled students in the area, failing to best help those students succeed in the classroom academically. One of the purposes of the Department of Education, as it stands today, is to prevent discrimination of all students and to provide equal access to all educational opportunities for students. Over 10,000 complaints have been levied based on an advisory committee, showing widespread issues for students with disabilities in the D.C. area and seemingly a lack of interest in any solutions based on the number of complaints. It remains to be seen where the investigation will lead but it is an important step in rooting out the problems that these students continue to face.
Waurika Public Schools Pulls Psychology Assignment Following Online Scrutiny
Newson9
A section of curriculum has been taken out of a high school psychology class at a Waurika Public School after parents online showed concerns. The assignment, which asked students to rate different activities regarding their normailities as sexual behavior. Cody Simmons, the Superintendent of the district, wrote to parents that the assignment used a curriculum that was approved by the state of Oklahoma. While Simmons and several parents have declined comment and further questions, some other parents have come out to advocate for the teacher and claim that he was forced to resign for teaching a mistake.
Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes
CalMatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom has stated that transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ sports is “deeply unfair.” His comments show a shift in his stance on transgender athletes due to how he supported a law that would allow transgender students to play in sports based on the gender that they identify with back in 2013. During Newsom’s first episode of his podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom” he discussed the fairness problem in girls sports with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but didn’t mention that the 2013 law would need to be changed. His comments have caused backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and Democrats. They feel as though Newsom is abandoning transgender rights with his recent comments.
Trump Seeks to Bar Student Loan Relief to Workers Aiding Migrants and Trans Kids
The New York Times
President Trump signed an executive order restricting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, excluding nonprofits deemed to support illegal activities. The move targets organizations aiding undocumented immigrants, diversity initiatives, and gender-affirming care. It also bars groups involved in political protests or alleged terrorism. The order aligns with right-wing priorities but faces legal and bureaucratic hurdles. The program, created in 2007, forgives student debt for public servants after 10 years of payments. It has faced administrative challenges, with Biden easing restrictions to aid borrowers. Trump’s directive echoes a stalled House bill that sought to revoke nonprofits’ tax-exempt status for alleged misconduct.
