Education

The Trump administration has issued a directive mandating states to certify that federal dollars are not being used for "divisive" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, or risk losing Title I funding. This move represents a significant escalation that threatens to penalize schools serving low-income families, students of color, and other underserved communities.

More than 340 students, faculty, and researchers at universities and colleges nationwide have had their visas revoked this year, frequently for minor infractions or without any stated reason, placing them at risk of deportation.

Assembly Bill 1121 seeks to tackle the civil rights issue of low reading proficiency among low-income Black K-12 students in California. The bill mandates evidence-based training for teachers, updated instructional materials, and consistent statewide strategies, aiming to close the racial literacy gap by 2070.

The American Library Association has issued a report highlighting an increase in book censorship efforts, predominantly led by organized groups. The most frequently targeted books focus on themes of race, history, and identity, including "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson and "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison.

Autism is not classified as a learning disability, but it can impact learning. Certain learning disabilities, such as dyscalculia, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, are more likely to occur in individuals with autism.

Recent research indicates that high-dosage, in-person tutoring is effective, yet virtual tutoring is emerging as a promising alternative. Studies suggest that, when implemented with the same safeguards, virtual tutoring can be nearly as effective as traditional in-person methods.

Black students have achieved notable improvements in high school graduation rates, countering claims of diminished academic standards. Enhanced support and resources are essential for these students to fully realize their postsecondary goals.

Harvard University's new free-tuition policy, while seemingly progressive, does not tackle the systemic barriers that prevent Black students from accessing elite colleges. These obstacles include deeply segregated and underfunded public schools, racial bias, economic challenges, and generational wealth disparities.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon's nomination has raised concerns among Black students at Northern Illinois University regarding the future of racial healing programs and DEI initiatives. McMahon has not clarified her stance on teaching Black history, leaving uncertainty about her potential influence on the future of education in America.

State attorneys general from 20 states have filed a lawsuit against the administration's decision to reduce the Department of Education's workforce and funding, a move that threatens to leave millions of students without access to federal financial aid.