Education

K-12 public schools in 2026 will continue to navigate the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, escalating immigration challenges, and the growing presence of AI in educational settings.

The Trump administration's rollback of students' civil rights protections and its agenda to dismantle the Department of Education pose significant challenges for Black students, who are increasingly subjected to AI surveillance, ICE raids, and insufficient mental health support.

Hannah V. Sawyerr's latest young adult novel, "Truth Is," explores the decision of a 17-year-old girl to undergo an abortion, presenting it as a definitive choice. The book serves as an educational resource on reproductive health, particularly significant in the context of restricted access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Rod Paige, the nation's first Black Secretary of Education, left a complex legacy as both a trailblazer and a contentious figure. His pivotal role in the No Child Left Behind Act sought to transform American education but instead highlighted the pitfalls of high-stakes testing and the intense pressure placed on schools to improve performance.

In response to a mounting backlog of civil rights complaints, the U.S. Department of Education has recalled hundreds of Office of Civil Rights staffers. This move aims to address issues exacerbated by previous staffing reductions and political challenges.

New York's Board of Regents has implemented new educational standards mandating climate change instruction for all K-12 public school students. These requirements focus on environmental justice and aim to equip students with the skills to analyze data critically, fostering an understanding of the systemic issues driving the climate crisis.

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has reached an agreement to terminate the Biden-era SAVE plan, an initiative designed to assist borrowers facing high-interest loans. This decision mandates the transition of all SAVE plan participants into legally sanctioned repayment schemes, potentially causing widespread disruption among millions of borrowers.

A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality reveals that more than 40% of teacher preparation programs in the United States graduate cohorts less diverse than the state teacher workforce, underscoring the imperative for these programs to prioritize the recruitment of diverse candidates and provide comprehensive support to all aspiring educators.

Three Atlanta high school seniors received a surprise early acceptance into Georgia Tech, marking a significant milestone for one family with deep ties to the institution.

Alexandria Brown, an Algebra 1 teacher and ninth-grade level chair at Collegiate Academies, transitioned from aspiring history teacher to math educator, emphasizing the significance of representation, relationship-building, and ongoing development to enhance Black students' success in mathematics.