Education Shifts: New Interagency Deals Reshape K-12 Control and State School Flexibility

Welcome to your weekly update on the U.S. Department of Education. This week’s biggest headline: the department announced new interagency agreements shifting key K-12 programs like school safety grants, community schools, family engagement, and educational TV to the Department of Health and Human Services, while handing foreign gift reporting for colleges to the State Department. Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it “a practical step toward greater efficiency, stronger coordination, and meaningful improvement.” These moves build on nine such partnerships since last year, aiming to shrink federal bureaucracy and return control to states. No funding interruptions for grantees, but critics like the agency’s staff union president Rachel Gittleman warn of risks like waste and weaker oversight, especially for beleaguered programs totaling $514 million. Meanwhile, states are stepping up: February saw bills advancing in 16 states for better literacy and math, like Missouri’s new reading screeners and third-grade gates, and Indiana’s push for 60 minutes of daily math. The White House also proclaimed National School Choice Week, touting merit-based reforms and ending federal funds for DEI and anti-American curricula. For American families, this means more state flexibility in schooling—think expanded charters in Georgia and Utah ESAs letting siblings join without hassle—but potential chaos in special needs or safety supports. Businesses gain from streamlined workforce ties via Labor partnerships, while states face new accountability pressures, like annual improvement plans. Local governments brace for ripple effects on Title I funds. Experts at ExcelinEd note math screeners could boost outcomes, with Alabama already mandating daily instruction. Watch for March deadlines on these state bills and ED’s next staff shifts. Stay informed at ed.gov/newsroom. If you’re a parent, contact your state reps on choice programs. Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta