Episodios

  • Federal Court Blocks Efforts to Dismantle Dept of Education, New Priorities Focus on School Choice and Basic Skills

    Federal Court Blocks Efforts to Dismantle Dept of Education, New Priorities Focus on School Choice and Basic Skills
    May 23 2025
    The top story from the Department of Education this week: a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to dismantle the Department itself by firing thousands of its employees. The administration had claimed the mass terminations were about efficiency, but the court found the real aim was to fulfill President Trump’s campaign promise to shutter the agency—something that can’t happen without Congress. Judge Myong Joun wrote that the evidence “abundantly reveals” the true intention was to “effectively dismantle the Department without an authorizing statute,” and ordered the department to reinstate employees terminated since January to restore services for students, families, and states. This decision immediately impacts millions of Americans who rely on federal education services, as well as state and local agencies that depend on consistent federal support for schools and programs.

    This ruling comes as the department, under Secretary Linda McMahon, has been rolling out new policies with a heavy focus on school choice, state control, and a return to “back-to-basics” learning. In her words: “It is critical that we immediately address this year’s dismal reading and math scores by getting back to the basics, expanding learning options, and making sure decisions in education are made closest to the child.” She’s proposed three major priorities for future federal grants: evidence-based literacy programs, expanded school choice initiatives, and devolving more authority to the states. These grant priorities, currently open for public comment, signal a shift away from previous focuses like teaching workforce diversity and social-emotional learning.

    Another headline: funding for charter schools is up this year, with an immediate $60 million increase to the Charter Schools Program. This boosts the total program budget and aims to help families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. But with the department’s shifting stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, some critics, including state educators and advocacy groups, warn that many vulnerable student populations could lose ground.

    Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights has launched a high-profile Title VI investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools, reflecting a ramp-up in enforcement activities. And for millions with student loans, after years of pandemic-related pauses, the department is resuming collection on defaulted loans, affecting over five million borrowers currently in default. Secretary McMahon stated, “American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies," and the department is enlisting state and institutional partners to help reach borrowers and emphasize borrower responsibility.

    Looking ahead, the proposed grant priorities are open for public comment for 30 days. Educators, parents, and local officials are encouraged to engage with the process and share feedback directly with the Department of Education, as these decisions will shape funding and policy across the country. You can find more information and submit comments at ed.gov. Stay tuned for further updates as the department and the courts continue to shape the future of American education. If these changes raise questions or concerns for your community, now is a critical moment to get involved and make your voice heard.
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    4 m
  • Charter Funding Boost, Loan Repayment Notices, and Uncertainty at the Department of Education

    Charter Funding Boost, Loan Repayment Notices, and Uncertainty at the Department of Education
    May 21 2025
    # Department of Education Weekly Roundup: May 21, 2025

    HOST: Welcome to this week's Education Update. I'm your host, and today we're covering the most significant developments from the U.S. Department of Education.

    The biggest headline this week: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has announced a historic $60 million increase in funding for charter schools, raising the Charter Schools Program's total budget to $500 million for fiscal year 2025.

    SECRETARY MCMAHON (VOICEOVER): "Not only are we proposing a future $60 million increase in the program budget, but we are also dedicating an additional $60 million in this year's funding. With more dollars going toward education choice and a new grant opportunity to help highlight best practices, we hope to pave the way for more choices, better outcomes, and life-changing opportunities for students and families."

    HOST: This announcement came during National Charter Schools Week and includes the launch of the new Model Development and Dissemination Grant Program, designed to showcase successful charter school strategies nationwide.

    The Department has also released the May 2025 update to the Federal School Code List of Participating Schools for the 2025-26 academic year. This quarterly update is crucial for students completing their FAFSA applications, ensuring their financial aid information reaches the correct institutions.

    In a more concerning development, the Department has begun notifying approximately 195,000 defaulted student loan borrowers that their federal benefits will be subject to offset starting in early June. Later this summer, all 5.3 million defaulted borrowers will receive notices about administrative wage garnishment. The Department is urging colleges and universities to reach out to former students about loan repayment obligations before June 30th.

    This flurry of activity comes amid uncertainty following President Trump's March 20th executive order directing the Education Secretary to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education." While this would require Congressional approval that currently lacks support, it has created concern among education advocates.

    The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has expressed opposition to potential cuts that could impact student achievement and essential services for students with disabilities, particularly regarding IDEA funding.

    For parents and educators watching these developments, mark your calendar for later this month when the Department plans to publish institutional non-repayment rates on the Federal Aid Data Center.

    For more information on any of these topics, visit ed.gov or follow the Department's social media channels. I'm your host, thanks for listening to this week's Education Update.
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    3 m
  • Federal Funding Boosts Charters, Investigations Target University Finances

    Federal Funding Boosts Charters, Investigations Target University Finances
    May 19 2025
    Welcome to Education Update, your weekly briefing on the U.S. Department of Education’s biggest news. The headline this week: Secretary Linda McMahon has announced an immediate $60 million boost in federal funding for the Charter Schools Program, bringing this year’s charter initiative to its largest budget yet. According to Secretary McMahon, “This investment affirms our commitment to expanding high-quality educational options for families nationwide, empowering school communities to innovate and excel.” This move comes as National Charter Schools Week ends, signaling robust federal support for charter school growth and new grant opportunities.

    It’s not all about expansion, though. On the regulatory front, the Department has also opened foreign funding investigations into higher education institutions, with a probe now underway at the University of Pennsylvania for failing to disclose foreign financial contributions in a timely and accurate manner. This signals increased scrutiny of financial transparency and compliance for universities across the country, affecting how schools manage both federal and international partnerships.

    Meanwhile, there’s tension in the broader policy landscape. President Trump’s recent executive order directed the Department to take all possible steps toward facilitating its own closure—though a full shutdown requires Congressional approval, which remains unlikely for now. Still, the order has sparked concern from educators, experts, and school administrators, especially regarding the future of federal funding for special education, Pell grants, and student loans. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, for example, warns that threatened cuts “may hurt student achievement and access to essential services.”

    Budget priorities remain in flux. Congress has already appropriated funding for schools through the 2025–2026 year, so core programs will continue in the short term. However, the future of longstanding federal support for vulnerable students—like Title I funds for high-poverty schools and Head Start for early childhood learning—is now under debate, with potential impacts on millions of students and the educators who serve them.

    For citizens and educators alike, the message is clear: stay engaged and informed. The Department is actively calling for nominations to its Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, inviting public participation in decisions shaping the next wave of federal education regulations. Key upcoming dates include deadlines for rulemaking input and a watch for new program grant applications, especially for charter schools and higher ed compliance updates.

    For more details or to share your voice, visit the Department of Education’s official newsroom and consider submitting comments or nominations if you have expertise or concerns. As this evolving landscape unfolds, we’ll keep connecting the dots for what these changes mean on the ground—for students, families, and schools nationwide. Stay tuned for next week's developments and remember: your voice shapes the future of education.
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    3 m
  • Department of Education Puts Colleges on Notice to Help Struggling Student Borrowers

    Department of Education Puts Colleges on Notice to Help Struggling Student Borrowers
    May 16 2025
    Welcome to Education Update, where we break down the latest developments from the Department of Education and what they mean for your community. This week’s headline: the Department is putting colleges and universities on notice—institutions that receive federal funds must step up efforts to help struggling student loan borrowers before June 30, 2025.

    In a letter to higher education institutions, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urged schools to proactively contact all former students who owe federal student loans and aren’t in deferment or forbearance. The message: borrowers need to be reminded of their repayment responsibilities and get support if they’re falling behind. The Department is also making repayment data by institution more transparent, adding updated statistics this month to the Federal Aid Data Center. This move is expected to sharpen scrutiny and accountability—colleges with high rates of non-repayment could lose access to federal aid, including Pell Grants and student loans, if they don’t act now. For struggling borrowers, that means you should watch your inbox: the Department is requiring ongoing outreach and guidance from your alma mater, aiming to prevent defaults and protect access to education.

    Meanwhile, about 195,000 defaulted borrowers will begin receiving Treasury Offset Program notices this week. These warn that federal benefits—like tax refunds or Social Security—may be garnished starting in early June. More than 5 million borrowers could face wage garnishment later this summer if delinquencies aren’t resolved. The Department says these measures are a last resort, emphasizing, as one official put it, “Our priority is to help borrowers avoid the severe consequences of default—not to punish them unnecessarily.”

    On the policy front, the Department has released the updated Federal School Code List for the 2025–26 academic year, essential for students completing the FAFSA. This ensures aid goes to the right schools and keeps doors open for new applicants.

    But uncertainty looms over the Department’s future. Following President Trump’s March executive order to “take all necessary steps” toward closing the Department, education policy remains in flux. While shutting down the Department requires congressional action—and there’s little support right now—advocacy groups warn that proposed grant and staff cuts could jeopardize vital programs like Pell Grants and IDEA special education funding.

    So, what does this mean for you? If you’re a student or parent, stay alert for communications from your school. For businesses and local governments, expect greater data transparency and possible shifts in federal partnerships. And for educators and advocates, now’s the time to weigh in: the Department welcomes public comment on aid regulations and outreach practices.

    Looking ahead, keep an eye on the Department’s release of non-repayment rates by school, which could reshape institutional eligibility for federal aid as early as next year. For more information or to share your feedback, visit the Department of Education’s website or contact your institution’s financial aid office. If you’ve got thoughts on student loan policies or federal educational support, now’s your chance to make your voice heard.
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    4 m
  • Education at Risk: Proposed Cuts and Policy Shifts Roil Schools, Colleges, and Families

    Education at Risk: Proposed Cuts and Policy Shifts Roil Schools, Colleges, and Families
    May 14 2025
    Welcome to the Education Update podcast, where we break down the latest news shaping learning across America. The biggest headline this week? The Trump administration has proposed a sweeping 15.3% cut to the Department of Education’s budget for fiscal year 2026. That would mark one of the largest single-year reductions in recent memory and sends shockwaves through schools, colleges, and families nationwide.

    Let’s dive into what this means. First, the Administration argues these cuts are part of a broader push to empower parents, states, and local communities, a vision detailed in a recent executive order that also directs the Secretary of Education to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education”—though fully abolishing the department would require Congressional approval, which currently isn’t there. The immediate impacts, however, could be dramatic. Funding reductions would likely hit programs supporting low-income students, federal student loans, and special education hardest. Experts warn this could disrupt services for millions of children and limit college access for many families. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing risks to students’ achievement and essential school-based services.

    In higher education, the Department just reminded colleges of their obligations to help struggling borrowers. Institutions now must step up outreach to former students at risk of default, ahead of a new June 30, 2025 deadline. The federal government is tracking nonrepayment rates and planning to publish those statistics soon. In parallel, after a pause since March 2020, the Department is resuming federal student loan collections, with nearly 200,000 borrowers already notified that their benefits could be offset starting in June. By late summer, over 5 million borrowers may face wage garnishment if they remain in default.

    Accountability is ramping up elsewhere, too. The Department launched new Title VI investigations into discrimination and is reviewing major universities’ compliance with rules on foreign funding disclosures and grant reporting. Meanwhile, changes in federal K-12 policy are underway, including a renewed focus on “parent choice” and a push to redirect federal funds from so-called “radical indoctrination” toward more “patriotic education”—though critics argue this could jeopardize support for students with disabilities and those in high-poverty communities.

    So, what’s next? Congress will debate the Department’s budget, and public hearings are expected before any cuts become law. Schools, colleges, and families should keep an eye out for updates on program guidelines and application deadlines, especially for federal student aid and grant programs. If you want to share your perspective, many proposals are open for public comment on the Department of Education’s website.

    For resources on student loans, financial aid codes, or regulatory changes, visit ed.gov. And if you feel strongly about these moves, now is the time to contact your representatives—public voices matter as these debates unfold.

    That’s this week’s Education Update. Stay tuned for continued coverage as these developments impact classrooms, communities, and our nation’s future.
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  • Department of Education Shakes Up Loans and PBS Funding

    Department of Education Shakes Up Loans and PBS Funding
    May 12 2025
    The Department of Education’s biggest headline this week: the immediate termination of the 2020-2025 Ready to Learn grant, a move that’s sending shockwaves through the educational and public broadcasting communities. This decision means PBS and 44 public media stations across 28 states and D.C. have been ordered to stop work on all Ready to Learn projects, a program that, for three decades, has delivered beloved shows like “Sesame Street” and “Molly of Denali” to millions of American children. Just last year, Ready to Learn content reached 1.8 billion video streams, 27.6 million game plays, and over 10 million TV viewers. For many families, especially in rural areas, this program has provided free, high-quality, and safe educational content. Patricia Harrison, president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, stated, “We will work with Congress and the Administration to preserve funding for this essential program” as bipartisan support lines up behind the initiative.

    At the same time, the Department is ramping up enforcement of student loan repayments. Starting now, about 195,000 defaulted borrowers will receive 30-day notices that their federal benefits could be garnished via the Treasury Offset Program, with even more sweeping wage garnishments due to begin later this summer. That’s part of a broader restart of collections that targets nearly 10 million borrowers either in default or late-stage delinquency after a five-year pause during the pandemic. The Department is pushing colleges to proactively contact former students by June 30, urging compliance to avoid losing access to Pell Grants and federal student aid. The data on institutional repayment will soon be public, bringing new transparency—and likely pressure—on higher ed.

    For American families and students, these headlines mean both immediate impacts and long-term questions. The halt of Ready to Learn could widen educational gaps for low-income kids, while the renewed loan enforcement may catch struggling borrowers off guard just as many are trying to regain their financial footing. Colleges and universities face potential loss of federal funding, incentivizing them to invest in student success and outreach. Businesses in educational media, especially those with PBS partnerships, may need to pivot or seek new funding models. And with Congress voicing concern, there’s potential for legislative intervention in public broadcasting funding.

    Looking ahead, keep an eye on the Department’s upcoming publication of college loan repayment data, which could shift how students choose institutions. For families and educators dependent on PBS Kids, advocacy is now key: contact your representatives if you want Ready to Learn restored. For struggling borrowers, watch for outreach from your college—engage early and explore repayment options. For further updates or ways to respond, visit the Department of Education’s official newsroom and stay tuned for public comment opportunities on both student loans and media funding issues.
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  • Student Loan Defaults, Equity Policy Shifts, and Higher Ed Compliance Changes

    Student Loan Defaults, Equity Policy Shifts, and Higher Ed Compliance Changes
    May 9 2025
    This week’s most significant headline out of the U.S. Department of Education is the department’s strong reminder to colleges and universities: help student loan borrowers who are struggling to get back on track. Following the May 5 restart of collections on defaulted federal student loans—paused since the pandemic began in 2020—the Department issued new guidance for higher education institutions, urging them to ensure borrowers are fully informed about their repayment options and responsibilities. With approximately 5 million borrowers already in default and another 4 million dangerously close, the stakes are high, as up to 10 million Americans could soon see serious consequences like tax refund offsets or wage garnishment through the Treasury Offset Program now back in operation.

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized, “This is a moment for shared responsibility—between the government, student borrowers, and colleges—to help Americans avoid the worst outcomes of loan default while upholding accountability.” Notices about wage garnishment are expected as soon as this summer, and financial aid officers across the country are ramping up outreach to vulnerable alumni.

    In parallel, major federal policy shifts have come down the pipeline. The Department is enforcing an order to eliminate all race-based practices—including in financial aid and hiring—by February 28. This radical change is forcing institutions to rethink not just admissions but all aspects of campus support and diversity programs. Meanwhile, federal agencies have been directed to drastically cut DEI-related grants, potentially pulling the rug out from under programs supporting underrepresented students, faculty development, and academic belonging initiatives. While some states push back by doubling down on their own equity investments, colleges everywhere are scrambling to adapt—focusing now on using economic status or ZIP code as proxies for support while maintaining compliance.

    Budget debates continue as Congress works toward finalizing FY 2025 Education appropriations. The Department is also updating resources, like the 2025–26 Federal School Code list, to help families navigate the FAFSA and ensure their aid reaches the right schools.

    On another front, the Department has opened a foreign funding investigation into the University of Pennsylvania, signaling toughened oversight amid broader concerns about transparency and accountability in higher education.

    For American citizens, these developments mean renewed pressure on student loan borrowers, shifting campus climates as equity policies are redefined, and potential challenges in accessing support resources. Businesses—especially ed-tech and student loan servicers—face new compliance requirements, while state and local governments may have to fill gaps as federal roles change. Internationally, increased scrutiny of foreign funding could impact global partnerships and research collaborations.

    Looking ahead, watch for further guidance on student loan collections, ongoing debates over the Department’s future—even as an executive order proposes dismantling it—and public comment periods on policy changes. If you’re a student or borrower, contact your school’s financial aid office immediately if you need help. For educators and administrators, review the latest federal requirements and prepare to update your campus practices and reporting systems.

    Stay updated on these stories at the Department’s official newsroom. And if you have opinions or need support, now is the time to reach out—these policies are shaping the future of American education and your voice matters.
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  • "Sweeping Education Cuts and Shifting Accreditation Rules: Decoding the Latest Federal Moves"

    "Sweeping Education Cuts and Shifting Accreditation Rules: Decoding the Latest Federal Moves"
    May 7 2025
    Welcome to the Education Update podcast, where we break down this week’s most important developments from the U.S. Department of Education and analyze what they mean for you and your community. The biggest story this week: President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal calls for slashing the Department of Education’s funding by over 15 percent, a move that aligns with the administration’s ongoing push to wind down the agency and shift more authority to states. Some existing grant programs would end entirely, and management of student aid programs like Federal Work-Study would largely become a state responsibility. While this budget is just a proposal and faces a tough road in Congress, it signals a dramatic restructuring of federal education priorities.

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon defended the cuts in a statement, saying the budget “reflects funding levels for an agency that is responsibly winding down, shifting some responsibilities to the states, and thoughtfully preparing a plan to delegate other critical functions to more appropriate entities.” Congressional response is divided. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, commended the plan as a blueprint to reduce government size and spending, while even some Republicans have expressed hesitation about the scale of the cuts.

    In another major policy update, the Department announced actions to expand accreditation options for colleges and universities. This move follows President Trump’s executive order, “Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education,” aimed at increasing competition among accreditors and allowing institutions more flexibility to switch agencies. The Department has ended the Biden-era pause on recognizing new accreditors and will now allow schools to change accreditors without a lengthy approval process. Secretary McMahon stated, “President Trump’s Executive Order and our actions today will ensure this Department no longer stands as a gatekeeper... nor will this Department unnecessarily micromanage an institution’s choice of accreditor.”

    Meanwhile, legal developments continue to unfold. Just yesterday, a federal judge ordered the Department to restore pandemic relief funding in some states, adding complexity to the shifting landscape for state education budgets and planning.

    How do these changes affect you? For families and students, less federal oversight could mean more variation in education quality and funding across states. State and local governments may see new pressures to fill funding gaps and manage programs once supported by federal dollars. Colleges and universities should prepare for a more dynamic accreditation landscape, potentially driving innovation but also raising questions about accountability. Businesses and nonprofits in the education sector could find new opportunities—and uncertainties—as the federal role recedes. Internationally, these moves may signal a reduced U.S. leadership role in global education standards and exchanges.

    What’s next? The budget process will unfold over the coming months, with public hearings and opportunities for comment. The Department is accepting feedback on accreditation guidance and will publish more details soon. For further updates or to weigh in, visit ed.gov/news or contact your local representatives.

    As always, stay informed and engaged—your voice shapes the future of American education.
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