PBS KIDS has introduced a groundbreaking new animated series, Carl the Collector, which debuted on November 14, 2024. Announced earlier this year at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, the 2D series is tailored for children aged 4 to 8 and marks the network’s first show to feature autistic central characters. Created by New York […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
MIT Expands Financial Aid, Waives Tuition for Families Earning Under $200,000 Starting Fall 2025
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced a landmark expansion of its financial aid program, starting in the fall of 2025, eliminating tuition for students from families earning less than $200,000 annually. Families earning under $100,000 will receive even more support: tuition, housing, dining, and other fees will be fully covered, and students will receive […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Senator Mike Rounds Introduces Bill to Abolish Department of Education
Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) has introduced legislation to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, marking a significant move in the ongoing debate over federal involvement in education policy. Filed on November 21, 2024, S.5384 proposes eliminating the Department of Education and redistributing its functions to state and local governments, as well as […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Texas State Board of Education Looks to Adopt Controversial Curriculum Emphasizing Biblical Teachings
On Nov. 22, 2024, the State Board of Education (SBOE) voted 8-7 to adopt Bluebonnet Learning, the state’s controversial, Bible-infused elementary school reading curriculum. This came from a preliminary vote earlier in the week that indicated support for Bluebonnet Learning. This state-authored elementary school curriculum has drawn scrutiny for its prominent inclusion of biblical teachings. […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Trump Taps Linda McMahon, Co-Founder of WWE as Education Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly selected Linda McMahon as the next U.S. Secretary of Education, a move that could significantly shift the nation’s education policy. During his campaign, Trump has signaled plans to eliminate the Department of Education entirely, making McMahon potentially its last leader. “For the past four years, as the Chair of the […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Preventing Discriminatory Use of AI in Schools
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a new resource, Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence, aimed at helping schools understand how AI technologies can enhance educational opportunities and contribute to discrimination if improperly designed or implemented. The guidance responds to Executive Order 14110, which calls for the […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines
Oklahoma State Department of Education Purchases Bibles for AP Government Classrooms
The Oklahoma State Department of Education announced Thursday that it has purchased more than 500 Bibles for use in Advanced Placement government classrooms. According to spokesperson Dan Isett, the purchase cost the agency $25,000. The acquisition is part of a broader plan to provide resources such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
What the First 180 Days of a Donald J. Trump Presidency Could Mean for Education
A focus on disrupting, eliminating, and restricting programs that have historically been in public schools. Donald J. Trump is set to serve a second presidential term, and with both chambers of Congress likely under Republican leadership—pending the final decision on the House—the future of U.S. education may undergo significant changes. Throughout the campaign trail, Trump […]