Category: Education

How might layoffs at the Department of Education affect its core functions? NPR speaks with education scholar Beth Akers, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: The U.S. Department of Education says that despite laying off nearly half its staff, it will continue to deliver all the programs that are protected…

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Mahmoud Khalil is shown on the Columbia University campus in New York at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on April 29, 2024. Ted Shaffrey/AP hide caption toggle caption Ted Shaffrey/AP NEW YORK — Federal immigration authorities arrested a Palestinian activist Saturday who played a prominent role in Columbia University’s protests against Israel, a significant escalation in…

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NPR’s Ailsa Chang talks with Kristy Hedler, mother of a son with Down syndrome, about what eliminating the Department of Education would mean for kids who receive special education services. AILSA CHANG, HOST: Parents of kids with disabilities are used to fighting – fighting for understanding, for acceptance and for resources. And that is why…

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Attendees applaud as Brad Schimel announces his run for Wisconsin State Supreme Court on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Waukesha, Wis. Angela Major/WPR hide caption toggle caption Angela Major/WPR MADISON, Wis. — Two years ago, it seemed like all eyes were on Wisconsin and what might have been a sleepy, springtime election. Two candidates were…

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For nearly two decades, children in Sleetmute, Alaska, have been going to school in a building with a leaking roof. The state repeatedly ignored funding requests to fix it, and the school is now full of mold and in danger of collapse. Photo illustration by Shoshana Gordon/ProPublica. Photos by Emily Schwing/KYUK, Michael Grabell/ProPublica hide caption…

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Pro-Palestinian students hold up Palestinian flags during UMass Amherst graduation ceremonies in May 2024. They left the graduation event in protest. John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images It was billed as a “Palestine Night” gala and fundraiser, with proceeds going to families in…

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Black history month has brought anxiety for some teachers since the Trump administration’s mounting efforts to roll back DEI. Educators are finding themselves in the middle of the debate. AILSA CHANG, HOST: Black History Month is drawing to a close, and it’s brought anxiety for some teachers because of the Trump administration’s push to roll…

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Advocates of “risky recess” say fewer restrictions on what elementary school kids can do when they go out to play is good for a child’s development. Some schools in Kansas are trying it out. LEILA FADEL, HOST: In elementary school, recess used to be when you could head outside and just play. But there are…

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Gwen Partridge, known to her students as “Mrs. Gwen,” stands in front of an exhibit she created for Black History Month on Feb. 13. She’s uncertain others will be able to continue teaching Black history once she retires given the Trump administration’s orders that schools eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding. Kassidy Arena/Nebraska…

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Fifth graders Kenley Taylor (left) and Gabby De Sa (right) work on story outlining during a MagTV morning meeting at Magnolia Elementary School in Carlsbad, Calif. Alan Nakkash for NPR hide caption toggle caption Alan Nakkash for NPR It’s before school on a crisp Friday morning in Carlsbad, Calif. Andrew Luria is rallying the kids…

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