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Federal Education Policy

The federal government provides about 8 percent of K-12 dollars, primarily through Title I funding for children from low-income families and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Obama administration sought to expand leverage over states through the Race to the Top competition, but a deadlock in Congress over reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act has left federal policy in flux.
February 26, 2018

Key justice is silent as Supreme Court re-argues case critical to CTA, other public employee unions

Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch will break the court’s deadlock over compulsory union fees.

John Fensterwald
February 26, 2018

What’s at issue, what’s at stake in Janus, the Supreme Court case challenging compulsory union fees

The court's newest justice, Neil Gorsuch, will decide if unions have cause for worry.

John Fensterwald
February 14, 2018

With support instead of punishment, a California school district works to improve special education 

County offices of education are working with districts identified for "differentiated assistance" due to poor performance by student subgroups.

Theresa Harrington
February 13, 2018

Science education funding still in Trump’s crosshairs, despite being saved by Congress

2019 budget proposal eliminates NASA education office and teacher training grants.

Carolyn Jones
February 7, 2018

Trump's proposed cuts to science education would be 'devastating,' educators say

NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and teacher training grants face more than $3 billion in cuts as Congress debates 2018 budget.

Carolyn Jones
January 30, 2018

Federal, state visions for improving schools collide in California

The Every Student Succeeds Act is a battleground for the latest dispute between Sacramento and Washington.

John Fensterwald
January 23, 2018

Despite promises, Trump administration has had little impact on public education in California

Fears of rapid expansion of school choice programs have proven unfounded.

Louis Freedberg
January 16, 2018

California to explain but not change school improvement plan federal officials criticized

More details and tweaks in wording may not resolve key differences over Every Student Succeeds Act.

John Fensterwald
January 7, 2018

Despite legalization, California colleges stick to their marijuana bans

Colleges say they are required to follow federal laws that still consider marijuana illegal.

Nico Savidge
December 27, 2017

Federal government finds flaws in California’s plan to improve lowest-performing schools

Is state board exercising flexibility or violating the Every Student Succeeds Act?

John Fensterwald
December 14, 2017

California sues Trump administration on behalf of students seeking debt relief

Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed the suit today in federal court in San Francisco against the federal department and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Mikhail Zinshteyn
December 12, 2017

California must set ambitious goals to combat chronic absenteeism

California still has work to do to make new indicator of school attendance more meaningful.

Phyllis Jordan
November 14, 2017

California at bottom in nationwide ranking of accountability systems; state board president disagrees

Fordham Institute gives high fives to what California dislikes: grading schools A to F with heavy weight for test scores.

John Fensterwald
November 12, 2017

Understanding how schools serve homeless children in California : a quick guide

Federal law guarantees homeless children a right to an education, regardless of where they're living.

Carolyn Jones
October 13, 2017

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos finds out about personalized learning at California school

DeVos said she learned a lot on tour of school, which drew protests from some who said they objected to her visit.

Theresa Harrington