Big news this week from the Department of Education: Secretary Linda McMahon has announced the final rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, aiming to protect taxpayers while reaffirming support for Americans dedicated to public service. This rule, unveiled just yesterday, streamlines eligibility, making it easier for teachers, nurses, and other public servants to access loan relief, while tightening oversight to curb fraud. Secretary McMahon said, “We’re working to ensure commitments to public service are honored, and that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”

There’s turmoil on the budget front: the federal government experienced a shutdown October 1 after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution, leaving future funding for schools, student aid, and education programs uncertain. Fortunately, many federal education programs are forward-funded, so operations continue for now, but local districts are on edge about next year’s budget. Meanwhile, active negotiations in Congress are determining Fiscal Year 2026 spending priorities, with educational choice, workforce pathways, and artificial intelligence emerging as areas of focus.

Speaking of priorities, Secretary McMahon just proposed two new grant competition priorities: Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness, and Meaningful Learning Opportunities. These proposals, open for public comment until October 27, highlight strategies to connect education to the needs of a changing economy, such as partnering with states to align workforce programs and investing in practical skill-building. This means more funding is poised to flow toward programs that prepare students for today’s job market and lifelong learning.

On the regulatory side, big changes are underway to civil rights enforcement. The Trump Administration’s new Unified Agenda previews September rulemaking to streamline how the Office for Civil Rights investigates Title VI and Title IX violations, with plans to speed up action against institutions failing to comply with anti-discrimination laws. Experts say this could mean tougher, faster penalties for schools but also less flexibility in enforcement.

In technology, the Federal Communications Commission just voted to end E-Rate subsidies for internet access on school buses and mobile hotspots—a move that could widen the digital divide. Data from K-12 Dive shows districts requested over $57 million for these services in fiscal 2025, serving rural communities in particular. States and districts now must find new ways to keep students connected outside school hours.

First Lady Melania Trump announced “Fostering the Future Together,” a global initiative bringing together international leaders and the private sector to improve children’s wellbeing through education technology. The White House’s goal: help every child thrive in the digital era amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Recent data releases from the National Center for Education Statistics offer fresh insights into college enrollment and completion trends, part of a push to make federal statistics more relevant and timely for students, educators, and policymakers. USED’s redesign of the Institute of Education Sciences invites public feedback on how federal research can better serve local needs and build technical capacity at the state level; listeners can contribute by submitting comments before October 15.

With all these shifts, American citizens face new opportunities for college debt relief and workforce preparation, but also uncertainty if federal funding stalls. Businesses and organizations should watch for new grant competitions and regulatory updates impacting hiring and diversity initiatives. State and local governments must prepare for potential budget changes and new civil rights enforcement rules.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on ongoing budget negotiations and public comment periods for Secretary...

This week’s headline out of the Department of Education is the $137 million reallocation to the American History and Civics Education program, a move announced amid Congress’s failure to pass a continuing resolution, resulting in the October 1 federal government shutdown. With budget negotiations ongoing for fiscal year 2026, the Department is doubling down on programs aimed at “Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness” and “Meaningful Learning Opportunities,” as described by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. These proposed priorities for future grant competitions are open for public comment until October 27. Secretary McMahon emphasized, “Workforce preparedness isn't just a national priority—it’s a commitment to students and families preparing for a rapidly changing economy.” Listeners, this represents a strategic shift as the Department aims to align federal support more closely with labor market demands and parental choice.

At the same time, the Department is actively redesigning the Institute of Education Sciences, soliciting public input to make federal educational research and data collection more streamlined, useful, and less burdensome. This week’s Request for Information invites feedback specifically on prioritizing data collections, expanding evidence-based research opportunities, and building state capacity for continuous improvement. For those looking to engage, comments can be submitted by October 15, making this an opportune moment for educators, researchers, and policymakers to shape the future of federal education research.

Among notable initiatives, the First Lady launched a global coalition called “Fostering the Future Together,” aiming to boost children’s well-being through education and technology, and address challenges posed by AI. The coalition will partner with private industry and international leaders, with its first summit planned for early 2026. For international partners and American tech firms, this marks a new opportunity to collaborate on next-generation educational innovation.

On the regulatory front, the Department’s Negotiated Rulemaking Committee—the RISE Committee—is addressing sweeping changes to federal student loan programs as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The next rounds of public loan forgiveness rules and enforcement actions under Title VI and Title IX are expected soon, aiming to streamline investigations and enforcement in compliance with current statutes. These moves have direct impacts for college students, higher education institutions, and civil rights advocates, as procedures around funding, enforcement, and compliance face ongoing revision.

Recent administrative orders have extended key advisory committees, such as the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, sustaining input from diverse stakeholders through 2027. These committees provide guidance on equity, STEM innovation, and disability policy, reinforcing the Administration’s intent to shape federal education policy through expert advice.

Data released by the National Center for Education Statistics this week shows new institutional statistics covering enrollment and completion rates at more than 5,500 colleges during the past academic year, informing policy decisions and public debate around college access and affordability.

All these changes have far-reaching effects: American citizens stand to see shifts in what’s taught in classrooms, what’s prioritized in job training, and who qualifies for federal aid. Businesses may benefit from closer alignment of education with workforce needs and partnering on technological innovation. State and local governments are being pushed toward greater autonomy in curriculum decisions, with new responsibilities to collect and use federal data. Internationally, the U.S. signals renewed...

This week’s top story from the U.S. Department of Education is a major shake-up in higher education policy, as the Trump Administration has sent its new “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” to nine prominent universities including MIT, Brown, and University of Texas at Austin. Under this compact, these institutions face sweeping new requirements: banning consideration of race, sex, and political views in undergraduate admissions—with narrow exceptions for single-sex and religious schools—capping international undergraduate enrollment at 15 percent, and freezing published tuition and fees. Undergraduate applicants must now take standardized tests to ensure admissions decisions rest only on objective criteria.

These changes, according to the Department, are meant to “restore merit-based opportunity and uphold fairness” across American higher education. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “We are committed to making American higher education a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where different views can be explored, debated, and challenged.” The compact does not address graduate admissions, but it signals a significant shift in how universities operate and represent American values on the world stage.

In Congress, there’s no new money for student aid next year as the Senate Appropriations Committee set the Pell Grant maximum at $7,395—the same as last year—while funding for campus work-study and supplemental grants stays flat. Lawmakers have until September 30th to pass a broader spending bill or risk a government shutdown, which could threaten education programs nationwide.

There’s also movement on the 90/10 rule, which affects for-profit colleges. The Department issued a new interpretation that allows revenue from ineligible distance education programs to count toward a school’s non-federal funding requirements, a clarification meant to address widespread confusion and compliance challenges.

On the program front, the Department announced its largest ever investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program, as well as new funding for American history initiatives and support for Historically Black and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities. Secretary McMahon said these funds come “from programs not in the best interest of students and families,” aiming instead to boost successful educational models.

For American families and students, these developments could mean fairer, more merit-focused admissions and a steady but not rising tide of federal aid. Universities and colleges face immediate operational, legal, and financial uncertainties, while businesses and the international recruiting landscape may see ripple effects as foreign enrollment caps reshape talent flows and partnerships.

The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity will meet October 21 to review accreditation reports and discuss policy priorities. This is one to watch for anyone interested in accountability and quality in higher education.

If you want to weigh in, check federalregister.gov for open comment periods—your voice can help shape these policies. For further details and updates, visit the Department of Education’s newsroom.

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Welcome, listeners. The big headline in education this week is the Department of Education’s announcement of the new College Affordability Action Plan, aimed at tackling rising tuition costs and student loan burdens nationwide. Secretary Miguel Cardona said Thursday, “It’s time for higher education to be a promise that works for everyone, not a privilege for a few.”

This initiative sets in motion an expanded federal-state partnership to curb tuition increases, with over $4 billion in new grant funding earmarked for public universities that agree to cap annual tuition growth below inflation. The plan also brings immediate fixes for loan forgiveness: starting next semester, eligible borrowers in public service fields will see streamlined applications and processing times drop from months to days. On the K-12 front, the department rolled out fresh guidance for districts supporting learning recovery, highlighting a $600 million boost for high-impact tutoring programs, especially in communities still affected by pandemic learning loss.

In the realm of school safety, the department issued a public health alert after a spike in youth vaping incidents, urging all schools to implement the latest CDC-backed prevention best practices by November. State and local governments are preparing new compliance measures, with some states, like Illinois and Maryland, already piloting model programs.

Leadership updates are also in the news. The White House confirmed Dr. Melissa Vance as the new Deputy Secretary, praised by education advocates for her hands-on experience in community schools and equity initiatives. Her first order of business: expanding partnerships between schools and tech companies to accelerate digital literacy programs.

For American families, these changes could mean more accessible college options and faster student loan forgiveness. Businesses and non-profits involved in education technology and tutoring stand to see increased demand and opportunities for funding. For state governments, new reporting requirements and federal support may improve transparency and help target resources to students who need it most. Internationally, the Biden administration indicated the new plan will strengthen US competitiveness in higher education, with several global institutions expressing interest in partnership opportunities.

Secretary Cardona urged families to “monitor your school district’s website” for program updates and sign up for informational webinars scheduled over the next few weeks. The department will publish further details and an interactive dashboard on their main website by the end of the month, allowing citizens to track progress and submit feedback.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on congressional budget hearings next Tuesday, where further allocations for STEM education and career pathways will be discussed. For more detail, visit the Department of Education’s website or follow their social media updates. If you’ve got thoughts on these new directions, public comments are open online for the next three weeks.

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Listeners, this week’s headline from the Department of Education is the announcement of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, spotlighting 161 exceptional high school seniors across academics, arts, and career-and-technical fields. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says, “These students embody the future of American achievement and leadership.”

Jumping into policy, the Department has just released Secretary McMahon’s sixth and seventh supplemental grant priorities: “Meaningful Learning” and “Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness.” These priorities signal a strong federal push to link classroom learning directly to employable skills, giving states and districts new ways to focus grants on workforce development.

One major initiative is the record $500 million funding boost for the Charter Schools Program—now the largest investment since the program's inception. This aims to expand school choice and give parents greater voice in their children’s education. According to Secretary McMahon, “Charter schools are critical in diversifying educational opportunities and driving innovation.”

Another key development is the launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA form, which is now available earlier than ever, streamlining the financial aid process for millions of families. The department expects this move will reduce wait times and increase transparency in how aid is distributed.

In terms of regulatory change, recent guidance from the Department and the Department of Justice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs is stirring debate. The DOJ’s advisory urges grant recipients to review practices for compliance with antidiscrimination laws, emphasizing “skills and qualifications” over demographic criteria. This is part of a larger administration push to “return education to the states” and elevate parental choice—seen recently in the Department’s call for broad waivers from federal requirements, with states like Indiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma already applying.

For leadership decisions, there’s heightened attention on the Trump administration’s approach to civil rights, meritocracy, and curriculum. Policies now encourage states to promote patriotic education and increase parental control over sensitive curriculum topics, while investigations and funding shifts are underway in areas the administration believes discriminate based on race or sex.

Budget priorities have also shifted, with a focus on competitive grant programs tied directly to student outcomes and career readiness, which is expected to impact how schools allocate resources and design interventions.

For American citizens, these changes mean more options and greater involvement in educational decisions, but also possible reductions in resources tied to diversity or civil rights programs. Businesses could see better alignment between schools and workforce needs, while state and local governments must navigate increased flexibility in using federal funds—along with new compliance pressures.

As for international connections, there’s not much direct impact this week, though changes in higher-ed data reporting and merit-based admissions may influence how U.S. institutions relate to global peers.

Coming up, keep an eye on the RISE Committee sessions tackling federal student loan reform in September, new negotiated rulemaking for higher education programs, and ongoing public comment periods for states seeking ESEA waivers. Citizens are encouraged to engage by commenting on state waiver proposals or providing input during grant program reviews.

To connect, visit the Department of Education’s newsroom or studentaid.gov for updates, resources, and ways to share your voice. If you want to help shape the future, now’s the time to participate.

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The top story from the Department of Education this week is the sweeping impact of the federal government shutdown, which has triggered a new wave of substantial staff layoffs throughout the department. Education Week reports that these cuts are especially hitting the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, which oversees cornerstone programs like Title I and ensures enforcement of the Every Student Succeeds Act. The union representing department employees warns the shutdown is making an already lean agency even leaner, threatening core services and federal support that millions of American students and schools depend on.

In tandem with the layoffs, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon unveiled two proposed priorities for upcoming federal education grants: Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness, and Meaningful Learning Opportunities. These proposals, now open for public comment until October 27, join other emerging priorities such as leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the classroom and promoting patriotic education. Once finalized, these priorities will shape how billions in federal discretionary education grants are distributed in coming years.

Meanwhile, the White House made waves by inviting nine major universities to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence” in exchange for preferential funding. According to the Wall Street Journal and The Hill, this compact urges reforms in admissions and hiring—especially regarding race and gender, demands tuition freezes, and includes restrictions on foreign student enrollment. May Mailman, a senior White House advisor, explained the selected universities have demonstrated reform-minded leadership or governance. If these universities agree, they stand to receive significant new federal grants and funding advantages.

Another headline comes from the Federal Communications Commission, which, as reported by education policy analysts, has ended E-Rate subsidies for Wi-Fi on school buses and mobile hotspots—funding that schools had used to bridge the digital divide for rural and low-income students. In the immediate term, schools and libraries are losing more than 50 million dollars in requested aid for internet access, a decision opposed by dozens of lawmakers and public education advocates.

For American families, these developments could bring uncertainty: reduced Department of Education staffing may delay or disrupt federal financial aid, student services, and enforcement of civil rights in education. Businesses and education technology providers will be watching the department’s focus on AI, workforce, and innovation, with billions in future grants at stake. State and local governments could face more responsibilities if funding formulas or program administration change, while universities must weigh the costs and benefits of joining the new federal compact.

Looking ahead, listeners should keep an eye on the public comment period for Secretary McMahon’s grant priorities, ongoing negotiations between universities and the White House, and Congressional deliberations about restoring or redirecting education funds. For those interested in having their voice heard, public comments on funding priorities can be submitted directly to the Department of Education’s official website.

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Welcome to your Department of Education update. This week's biggest story centers on a controversial new White House initiative targeting nine elite universities with a sweeping compact that ties federal funding to major institutional reforms.

On October first, the White House sent memorandums to Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, Penn, USC, MIT, UT Austin, Arizona, Brown, and UVA proposing the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. According to The Wall Street Journal, schools agreeing to this compact would receive preferential access to federal funds and substantial grants. But there are significant strings attached. Universities must reform admission and hiring practices regarding race and ethnicity, implement institutional neutrality policies, exclude transgender women from women's sports and locker rooms, and freeze tuition rates for five years. Schools with endowments exceeding two billion dollars would have to offer free undergraduate education for hard science majors. The compact also caps foreign student populations at fifteen percent, with no single country exceeding five percent of enrollment. May Mailman, senior adviser for special projects at the White House, told The Hill these institutions were selected because they have reformer presidents or boards committed to higher quality education.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Linda McMahon continues reshaping the department's priorities. She proposed two new discretionary grant priorities: Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness, and Meaningful Learning Opportunities. Public comment on these proposals runs until October twenty seventh. They join previously announced priorities on Artificial Intelligence and Promoting Patriotic Education.

In another significant development, the Federal Communications Commission voted two to one on September thirtieth to end E Rate subsidies for internet access on school buses and wireless hotspots that libraries could lend out. According to K twelve Dive, schools and districts had requested forty two point six million dollars for hotspots and fifteen point three million for school bus Wi Fi during fiscal year twenty twenty five. This reverses Biden era policies designed to address the digital divide for rural and low income students.

Secretary McMahon also appointed Tennessee Representative Mark White as Chair of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the National Assessment of Education Progress.

These developments signal continued federal pressure on higher education institutions while reducing connectivity support for K through twelve students. Watch for responses from the nine targeted universities and public comments on the new grant priorities closing late October.

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Hello listeners, today’s top headline from the Department of Education is the administration’s bold push to make workforce readiness the center of U.S. education policy. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced this new direction just days ago, proposing that billions in federal discretionary grants prioritize career pathways and programs that connect students directly to high-demand jobs. The secretary stated, “The department looks forward to empowering states to close achievement gaps and align education with the evolving needs of the workforce.” The comment period for this shift is open until October 27, giving stakeholders a chance to weigh in.

This week, we also saw Secretary McMahon recognize 161 high school seniors as U.S. Presidential Scholars for their achievements in academics, arts, and career and technical education, underscoring the department’s emphasis on both college and workforce tracks.

Another major development: a record $500 million investment in the Charter Schools Program, its largest ever. This funding is intended to expand educational choice and give families more options tailored to their needs. For students navigating higher education next year, the department launched the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—the FAFSA—earlier than ever, aiming to streamline and widen access to college affordability.

Policy changes continue at a brisk pace. Building on an executive order signed in March called “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” the administration is actively encouraging states to seek waivers for more localized control of academic standards and program funding. The department’s latest Dear Colleague Letter invites state and tribal leaders to propose “creative and effective waivers” under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, with a transparent 120-day review process and opportunities for public comment.

These shifts directly impact American citizens by expanding career-focused learning, potentially improving job prospects and wages for students. However, education advocates raise concerns about balancing investment in nondegree pathways with maintaining robust access to traditional higher education. Jennifer Stiddard of Jobs for the Future noted, “creating better pathways for students, creating better opportunities to learn about careers—these are all things that are included in here. Where we always have pause is understanding how all of this is going to be applied.”

For businesses and organizations, the new priorities could mean easier access to talent with industry-recognized credentials, especially in skilled trades and technology. States gain new flexibility to develop educational programs tailored to local economic needs; however, with federal oversight shrinking, some local governments are preparing for greater responsibility. Internationally, moves to prioritize workforce education may help U.S. competitiveness but raise questions about collaboration as administration officials weigh shifting federally funded career and technical education programs to the Department of Labor.

Citizens can engage by participating in the federal comment period for the workforce readiness grants, sharing feedback with state leaders, and attending local education meetings. Key dates to watch include the October 27 deadline for public input on grant priorities, upcoming opportunities for states to submit waivers, and next year’s rollout of short-term Pell Grants under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

For more information, visit the Department of Education newsroom or your state education agency website. If you’d like to have your voice heard, submit your perspective by the October 27 public comment deadline.

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This week’s top story from the U.S. Department of Education is the announcement of a record $500 million investment in the nation’s Charter Schools Program, the largest allocation in program history. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “This investment reflects our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for families and strengthening innovative public school options.” For thousands of families across the country, this funding means more access to high-quality charter schools, particularly in underserved areas, and will directly influence the educational landscape for the coming school year.

Alongside this headline, another major development is the earliest-ever launch of the FAFSA form for the upcoming school year. The new 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid is already online, aiming to make it easier for students and families to secure financial support sooner. Early access to these resources is expected to help streamline college admissions, with Pell Grants and federal loans continuing as normal despite broader staff furloughs triggered by the recent government shutdown.

Speaking of the shutdown, the Education Department has furloughed about 95 percent of its workforce not involved with federal student aid or essential services. The shutdown has paused civil rights investigations and grant-making activities, causing concern among advocacy groups and educators. If the shutdown drags on, only about 330 employees will return in the coming weeks, keeping most services offline. Student aid programs remain operational, but policy meetings and regulatory reviews are on hold, potentially complicating efforts to finalize key rules by July next year.

In leadership news, Secretary McMahon continued her “Returning Education to the States” tour with a visit to Ohio, marking the opening of the Experiential Robotics Platform in Cleveland. This signals a broader push for state-led education innovation and technology-driven learning. Meanwhile, federal courts have backed the administration’s move to lay off nearly half the department’s civil rights enforcement staff. The Victim Rights Law Center called the layoffs “an ill-conceived political move,” warning that student protections are at risk, especially for those facing discrimination or sexual assault.

For American citizens, these actions mean significant changes in how education services are delivered, especially for families counting on federal programs, students needing financial aid, and those with pending civil rights complaints. Businesses and organizations linked to charter schools or new technology initiatives may see new opportunities along with regulatory uncertainty. State and local governments are now encouraged to seek waivers from federal requirements, inviting more creative approaches to student achievement and spending—an effort the department says is “maximizing the impact of federal funds.”

Internationally, the impact remains indirect, but the moves to reorient funding and leadership suggest a trend towards local control and away from the centralized policies that defined prior administrations.

For deadlines, families should note the FAFSA form is live—apply as soon as possible. State leaders and school personnel should watch for updates on waiver procedures and possible grant releases once the shutdown ends. Next steps include following upcoming congressional debates around education funding, possible final decisions on the future of the Education Department, and new partnership announcements.

To engage, listeners can visit ed dot gov for real-time updates, review the latest Dear Colleague letters, and participate in local hearings or forums discussing the use of federal funds. If public input is requested on waivers or upcoming policy changes, contributing comments can make a difference in shaping how these initiatives unfold.

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The headline shaking up the education landscape this week is the Department of Education’s official certification to Congress that the 2026–2027 FAFSA will launch on time this fall—by October 1. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says this is thanks to a renewed focus on technical competence, marking what she calls “the earliest testing launch of the FAFSA form in history.” For families and students, this brings a sense of relief and predictability after previous rollouts left many in limbo. According to the department, the Pell Grant and other student aid updates tied to the FAFSA will also kick in with this year’s application cycle, following major changes signed into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4.

There’s movement beyond student financial aid, too. The department just proposed changes to the E-App—the process colleges use for Federal Student Aid eligibility. The goal: cut down on red tape and clarify policy language. Institutions have until October 24 to weigh in, and the department will review feedback before finalizing the updates.

A major data policy shift is also underway. Under a directive from Secretary McMahon, beginning this academic year, colleges must publicly report detailed admissions statistics—including breakdowns by race, sex, test scores, GPA, and first-generation status. This follows President Trump’s push to enhance “transparency in admissions” and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against race-based admissions preferences.

Behind the scenes, the department has stopped funding several discretionary grant programs for minority-serving institutions, highlighting a shift in spending priorities. As Secretary McMahon candidly put it after recent test score releases: “American students are testing at historic lows…Success isn’t about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested.” This signals a drive to return education authority and federal funds to states, promoting state-level innovation.

Partnerships are evolving, too. In a joint move with the Department of Labor, the department has launched a new portal for state workforce plans, aiming to better coordinate education and workforce development programs. Some Department of Education staff are being moved to Labor to help streamline these efforts.

What does all this mean? For citizens, the FAFSA launch means college planning can proceed with fewer hiccups; the changes to admissions data could spark broader debate on fairness and transparency in college admissions. Businesses and organizations—especially colleges—face new reporting burdens but gain clearer guidelines on compliance. States are seeing increased control over spending and program innovation, but must adapt rapidly as federal funding priorities and regulatory requirements shift.

Subject matter experts warn that cutting grants and contracts may impact student achievement, especially at minority-serving institutions. And while efforts to abolish the Department itself continue, fully closing it still faces Congressional hurdles. The next deadlines: Watch for FAFSA to go live by October 1, feedback on E-App by October 24, and new student achievement data in coming weeks.

Listeners who want to get involved should check ed.gov for public comment opportunities, especially on proposed rules. If you have feedback on these changes, now is the time to submit input.

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This week’s most significant headline from the Department of Education is the historic announcement of nearly $1 billion in new investments for charter schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities. The Department is repurposing funds from programs no longer deemed to be in the best interest of students, and channeling them into high-impact initiatives. According to the Department’s press release, HBCUs and TCCUs alone will receive a combined $495 million on top of their usual funding for the next fiscal year, translating to a 48% to over 100% increase for these institutions. Charter schools are also seeing record support, with $500 million allocated for grants—marking the largest federal investment in charter schools to date, and aiming to expand school choice and address declining educational outcomes nationwide.

At the policy level, change has been rapid and frequent. The Department recently confirmed that the 2026–2027 FAFSA form will be released on time—October 1st—the earliest in the agency’s history, after the prior administration’s widely criticized rolling delays. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “Our team has prioritized technical expertise, which has led to the earliest testing launch of the FAFSA form in history.” There’s also a push to cut administrative burden for colleges seeking federal student aid by revising the E-App, with a public comment period open until late October.

Meanwhile, the administration has moved decisively to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the Department. Executive orders now direct more focus toward evidence-based instructional practices and career pathways. Secretary McMahon just announced supplemental grant priorities to promote rigorous core instruction and align K-12 and higher education with workforce needs. She stated the Department is “committed to revitalizing American education to prepare every student for success in school, work, and life.”

For American citizens, these changes could mean expanded educational options and enhanced support for historically underfunded institutions, but also increased uncertainty for students affected by the rollback of DEI programs and other federal supports. Businesses could benefit from an education system more tightly aligned with workforce needs, thanks to increased funding for career pathways and technical training. State and local governments will likely see greater flexibility but must also fill gaps left by shifting federal priorities. Internationally, new visa scrutiny and limits on international student entry are raising concerns over America’s reputation as a welcoming destination for scholars and researchers.

Key deadlines include the October 1 FAFSA opening and the October 24 deadline for public comment on streamlined student aid applications. Interested listeners can engage by submitting comments on policy proposals through regulations.gov or tuning into Department public meetings.

To stay informed about these fast-moving developments, listeners should visit ed.gov for updates and check the Federal Register for public comment opportunities. Your input is crucial as the Department seeks community feedback on these priorities.

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The top headline from the Department of Education this week is a historic investment: The Department is channeling more than half a billion dollars into charter schools, American history and civics programs, and is making record one-time investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, or TCCUs. This $500 million boost to the Charter Schools Program is the largest in U.S. history, and HBCUs and TCCUs will receive a combined $600 million in additional funds for fiscal year 2025. According to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, these investments are being redirected from funding streams previously deemed less effective for students and families, with the goal of advancing educational choice and equity.

On the policy front, the Department has laid out an ambitious rulemaking agenda. They're moving to streamline civil rights investigations, proposing that federal support could be pulled from any institution failing to voluntarily comply with civil rights laws. Another significant development is the effort to limit foreign influence in higher education—colleges may lose federal funding if they don't fully disclose foreign gifts. The Department is also looking to ease the process for schools changing accreditors, and to remove obstacles for mergers or transitions involving faith-based or for-profit schools.

For families, perhaps the most tangible news is reassurance about financial aid: Secretary McMahon has certified that the much-anticipated 2026-2027 FAFSA form will be released on time, by October 1, marking the earliest rollout ever. This comes after widespread criticism of previous delays that left millions of students in limbo. Meanwhile, Federal Student Aid has already announced revisions to the form and updates to Pell Grant eligibility based on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law earlier this summer.

For American citizens, especially students and parents, these changes mean increased options and financial certainty, though concerns linger about access and how program cuts might affect vulnerable populations. State and local school officials face ongoing uncertainty: while the administration has promised to roll back “burdensome” federal oversight, it has also ramped up involvement in controversies—from mascot bans to policies on transgender athletes—sometimes intervening forcefully at the district level. Businesses and organizations, particularly those tied to education grants, must remain nimble as the Department continues to terminate or redirect funding, impacting ongoing programs and employment.

State education leaders and civil rights organizations warn of unpredictable federal intervention, with the Office for Civil Rights launching investigations and funding freezes that can disrupt planning. At the same time, Congress has begun to push back, with bipartisan resistance to budget cuts and moves to downsize the Department. As Laura Schifter, a senior fellow at the Aspen Institute, notes, we’re watching a “push-pull mechanism” between federal and state authority play out in real time.

Key deadlines to mark: Comments on proposed changes to federal student aid applications are due by October 24, with new rules and funding decisions rolling out on tight timelines. For those wanting to weigh in or urgently seeking clarity on their school’s funding, all updates and submission portals are posted on the Department of Education’s official website.

Listeners, stay alert for further regulatory shifts as lawsuits and court orders continue to shape implementation. To find out more or submit feedback on upcoming Department decisions, visit the Department’s site or contact your local representatives. And don’t forget, your voice and your vote are powerful tools in shaping the direction of American education.

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The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the Trump administration’s unprecedented move toward dismantling the agency itself. Last March, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to “take all steps necessary” to facilitate the closure of the Department. While completely eliminating the Department of Education still requires legislation—and Congress has yet to signal majority backing—the blueprint is in motion. In just the past week, the Department announced a major reduction in force, impacting every office, suggesting this is no mere political show but a concrete step toward stripping federal oversight of schools.

At the same time, the Department is swiftly implementing new policies reflecting the administration’s priorities. Last month, Secretary McMahon confirmed that key college financial aid services, like the new 2026–2027 FAFSA form, are on track to launch October 1 as planned. But behind the scenes, teams are working to identify which Department programs—especially those not mandated by Congress—will be transferred elsewhere or eliminated. While some federal services could shift to other agencies, the fate of critical programs like Pell grants and special education funding remains uncertain. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and others have warned that cuts could limit student access to essential support.

For families, educators, and students, the stakes are enormous. If major federal programs are moved to state control or axed altogether, resource gaps could widen, especially for students in high-need districts and those with disabilities. According to Education Minnesota’s president, removing Title I funding alone would cost thousands of teaching jobs and devastate services for marginalized communities. Businesses serving schools may face upheaval as federal contracts are canceled or rewritten, while states and local governments suddenly tasked with new responsibilities could see budget pressures skyrocket.

On higher education, the White House has issued new requirements for colleges and universities, demanding greater transparency in admissions data and cracking down on the use of race or ethnicity as a factor—a move following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action. Secretary McMahon says this shift will “ensure admissions processes are fair and comply with federal law,” but critics argue it threatens diversity in higher education. Meanwhile, guidance supporting English Learner students has been rescinded, raising questions about equity under the recently declared national English-only policy.

There are legal and political hurdles ahead. As Brookings Institution points out, full elimination of the Department isn’t possible by executive order alone—Congress must pass enabling legislation. With Republicans holding a slim Senate majority, bipartisan support will be required, making the future highly unpredictable. Nonetheless, as the National Education Association warns, every week without federal funding clarity risks deepening teacher shortages and putting proven programs like Head Start on the chopping block.

Listeners, if you’re an educator, parent, business leader, or local official, keep an eye out for state and local hearings about education funding and federal program handoffs. The Department of Education says it will provide regular updates on next steps and encourages public feedback on proposed policy changes—visit ed.gov for details. Major votes and deadlines could be coming as early as next month.

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