Education

In 2026, K-12 public schools will grapple with significant challenges, including the Trump administration's ongoing attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, escalating immigration-related conflicts, and the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence in educational settings.

National Education Association President Becky Pringle, alongside parents, educators, community leaders, and elected officials, convened at a rally outside the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the protection of public education. The gathering was strategically timed ahead of Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon's confirmation hearing, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding students' civil rights amidst the Trump administration's agenda to dismantle the Department of Education.

Hannah V. Sawyerr's young adult novel "Truth Is" explores the decision of a 17-year-old girl to undergo an abortion, positioning itself as a pro-choice narrative aimed at educating and informing youth about reproductive health access in the context of a post-Roe America.

The Disability and Deaf Cultural Center (D Center) at the University of Washington provides a safe, inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty to learn, socialize, and celebrate pride in community, while also offering resources such as a low-sensory chill space and a sensory space for relaxation.

The MLK Jr. Scholarship Fund is offering up to $16,000 in scholarships to high school seniors who live or attend school in South Seattle and demonstrate financial need, academic promise, and community involvement.

In a significant move to address a growing backlog, the U.S. Department of Education has announced the return of hundreds of Office of Civil Rights employees on December 15. These staffers will tackle approximately 25,000 pending civil rights complaints, a critical step in restoring the office's capacity to address systemic discrimination in public schools.

Rod Paige, who served as the nation's first Black Secretary of Education, is remembered for his pivotal role in crafting the No Child Left Behind Act. The legislation, initially heralded as a transformative approach to education, later emerged as a cautionary tale due to its emphasis on high-stakes testing and the resultant pressure it placed on schools to improve scores.

The New York Board of Regents has implemented new educational standards mandating climate change instruction for all K-12 public school students. These standards emphasize environmental justice, aiming to equip students with the tools to address and counteract the fundamental causes of the climate crisis.

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has declared its intention to terminate the SAVE plan, a Biden-era initiative designed to assist student loan borrowers, which has been embroiled in legal disputes since its inception. This decision will transition all current SAVE plan participants into alternative legal repayment schemes.

A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality reveals that over 40% of U.S. teacher preparation programs are producing graduating classes less diverse than the state teacher workforce. The report emphasizes the need for these programs to prioritize recruiting diverse cohorts and supporting all candidates in achieving high state standards and obtaining their teaching credentials.