Become more informed in minutes....
USA
2nd July 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Senate passes Trump's tax-and-spending megabill
President Donald Trump's tax-and-spending legislation was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, with a 50-50 deadlock in the vote decided with a tiebreaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. The package includes the nation’s first federal tax credit scholarship program, which grants donors to scholarship organizations a $1,700 tax credit for the same amount they contribute. Those nonprofits then award funds to families for private school tuition and other educational expenses. The Senate version of the bill differs from that passed by the House in late May by giving states a say over which groups can participate and strikes language that would have prohibited any control over private schools. The legislation includes other child-related provisions, including the extension of an existing $2,000 child tax credit. The House version boosts it to $2,500, while the Senate version increases the credit to $2,200. “Trump accounts,” a new feature, would provide a $1,000 investment fund for children that they could later use for education or a house. The House is expected to vote on the bill later today, sending it to the Oval Office for Trump's signature before July 4.  
LEGAL
States sue Trump administration over threat to school-based mental health
The recent termination of approximately $1bn in federal mental health funding for schools has sparked a lawsuit from 16 states against the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Seattle by California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, argues that the funding cuts will lead to layoffs of mental health staff and worsen outcomes for students, particularly in rural and low-income areas. The state officials argue in their complaint that the programs funded by these mental health grants have been “an incredible success,” providing services to nearly 775,000 students nationwide. The programs showed reduction in students' suicide risk, decreases in absenteeism and behavioral problems, and increases in student-staff engagement, according to the complaint. The funding, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, was designed to support mental health services and training for professionals in schools. The Education Department has indicated plans to “re-envision and re-compete” the grants based on new priorities.
TECHNOLOGY
Empowering principals for tech integration
In a recent discussion at the ISTELive 25 + ASCD Annual Conference, Saicy Lytle, an instructional technologist from the Clyde district in Texas, emphasized the crucial role of principals in technology integration within schools. Lytle said: "If principals have a vision and they plan and talk with the staff about things like digital citizenship, it actually can help with the teachers' technology acceptance." She highlighted the importance of developing a clear tech plan, engaging in professional development, and modeling the use of technology. However, challenges such as gaining teacher buy-in and managing multiple responsibilities can hinder principals. Lytle advocates for collaboration among teachers, principals, and technology coaches to ensure effective tech integration, ultimately aiming for improved student outcomes.
Teachers save time with AI tools
According to a recent national survey by the Gallup-Walton Family Foundation, teachers who utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools weekly save an average of six weeks during the school year. The survey revealed that only 32% of K-12 teachers use AI regularly, while 40% do not use it at all. Stephanie Marken, senior partner for U.S. research at Gallup, said: “Teachers are not only gaining back valuable time, they are also reporting that AI is helping to strengthen the quality of their work.” Despite the benefits, a significant gap in AI adoption exists, with only 19% of teachers indicating their schools have an AI policy. The report also highlights that 65% of special education teachers believe AI can enhance accessibility for students with disabilities, although concerns about the ethical implications of AI in classrooms persist.
POLICY
Mamdani's bold plan for New York schools
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for the New York mayoralty, is proposing a significant change to the city's school governance by advocating for an end to mayoral control. His campaign is emphasizing a "co-governance" model that would involve parents, students, educators, and administrators in decision-making processes. Mamdani's approach aims to address pressing issues such as chronic absenteeism and declining enrollment. Jonathan Collins, a professor at Columbia University, remarked, “That's a signal that he's thinking about this in a very different way than the typical mayoral hopeful. Not too many politicians have been in the business of giving power away.” While Mamdani's vision is gaining attention, some experts express skepticism about the feasibility of relinquishing mayoral control. John Liu, chair of the state Senate's New York City education committee, noted the need for further debate on governance changes. Mamdani's proposal has sparked both enthusiasm and concern regarding its potential impact on the education system.
LEGISLATION
Ohio students face cell phone ban
Ohio students will soon be required to put away their cell phones during school hours due to a new law signed by Gov. Mike DeWine. The law mandates that each school district adopt a policy prohibiting phone use during the instructional day, with exceptions for health-related needs or emergencies. DeWine said: “This is a vital step in protecting our children and helping them focus and learn in the school year.” While some districts have already implemented similar policies, concerns remain about enforcement and student compliance. John Coneglio, president of the Columbus Education Association, expressed skepticism about the practicality of the ban, questioning how it will be enforced. Parents like Diamond Robinson-Lacy worry about their children's ability to communicate during emergencies. Despite mixed opinions, the law aims to enhance classroom engagement and reduce distractions.
DISTRICTS
Documenting art in Des Moines Public Schools
Former Jefferson Elementary art teacher Susan VandeHaar was devastated to learn that a mural created by artist Jordan Weber had been painted over during renovations. VandeHaar, who retired in 2021, advocated for the establishment of a process to document the district's art collection, leading to the formation of the Art Search Committee. The group has successfully cataloged over 200 pieces of art within Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). Phil Roeder, the district's spokesperson, emphasized that this initiative will "raise awareness of the creative works throughout the district." The urgency of documenting the art collection has increased due to the district's Reimagining Education plan, which may lead to school closures. VandeHaar expressed her desire to preserve the art, stating, "It just is uplifting and joyful when you go in to see the artwork that the children have done."
WORKFORCE
Students protest teacher resignations at Harlem school
Columbia Secondary School in Harlem is facing significant turmoil as students protest the resignation of beloved teachers, including John Beletsky, who announced he would not return next fall. The school has seen a turnover of nearly 22% of its staff, more than double the New York average, since Principal Vikram Arora took over in March 2023. Students expressed their frustrations during a sit-in, explaining: “Teachers don’t feel listened to, which is why they’re leaving.” Concerns about a lack of transparency and inadequate support for students with disabilities have fueled discontent. Arora acknowledged the emotional impact of these changes, promising to create more opportunities for student input in the upcoming school year. Despite the challenges, the Department of Education maintains that Columbia Secondary continues to outperform city averages academically.
SOCIAL & COMMUNITY
Tribal nations seek justice over Native American boarding schools
Greg Johnson, known as Biskakone, reflects on the traumatic history of Native American boarding schools, where children were stripped of their identity and culture. His grandmother, Helen Chapman, endured this experience, resulting in a loss of cultural transmission. Today, Biskakone and tribal leaders are advocating for accountability from the Catholic Church and the U.S. government for their roles in these schools. A significant class-action lawsuit has been filed by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and the Washoe Tribe, alleging violations of trust responsibilities. Biskakone emphasizes the need to reclaim lost traditions, stating, “Now, we have to make it right.” Efforts are underway to teach Indigenous languages and practices in tribal schools, aiming to restore cultural heritage.
CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION
New Madison County school set to ease overcrowding
Madison County is set to welcome the Sparkman Intermediate School, which will open in the 2026-2027 school year with an initial enrollment of around 800 students. Designed to accommodate up to 1,200 students, the new facility aims to alleviate overcrowding at existing schools, particularly Madison Crossroads and Harvest Elementary. Heath Jones, a member of the Madison County Board of Education, emphasized the necessity of this project, adding “We knew that we were overcrowded at Madison Crossroads and Harvest Elementary...so we started looking at some avenues and figured out that it would probably be best if we just go ahead and build a school to help with that overcrowding. And so we negotiated a few things and decided that the best route would be an intermediate that would take the fourth through sixth grade.” The school, costing approximately $45m, will also help eliminate the need for portable classrooms currently in use.
INTERNATIONAL
Only 4% of Canadians give schools an 'A' on climate education
Only 9% of Canadian students learn about climate change often in school, while 42% say it's rarely or never discussed in the classroom, according to a new national survey from the nonprofit Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF). The report, called "From Awareness to Action: Canadians' Views on Climate Change and Education," is based on the responses of over 4,200 students, educators, parents, and the general public. It found that sixty-two percent believe climate change should be a high priority in education, while 56% believe it should be taught by all teachers.  When asked to grade schools on how well they were addressing climate change issues, only 4% gave schools an "A." Three-quarters of Canadians gave a "C" or lower. Research consultant Karen S. Acton, who worked on the report, said its findings underline the need for Canadian governments to introduce mandatory climate curriculum standards, and increase funding for teacher professional learning and resources. "Now more than ever, we need a reimagined education system that values climate learning as a core competency," she added. "Policymakers and education leaders must rise to meet this challenge before another generation of students graduate feeling unprepared to face the defining issue of their time."

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe