State Policy
Read more about state laws, regulations, and programs that impact education
Reading & Literacy
More States Are Taking Aim at a Controversial Early Reading Method
Lawmakers in some states are trying to ban the "cueing" approach, which asks students to rely on pictures or context clues to identify words.
Equity & Diversity
Anti-DEI Policies Are Ramping Up鈥擶ith Big Implications for College Access
A new study looks at how students of color could be affected by policies that ban DEI efforts.
States
'Illegal' DEI: See Which States Told Trump Their Schools Don't Use It
Education Week tracked state responses to an April 2025 Education Department request for states and schools to certify they don't use DEI.
Assessment
What Might Happen to State Testing Under the Trump Administration?
It's not clear what states might do with more flexibility鈥攂ut here are three concerns they'll need to wrestle with.
States
Opinion
How One State Improved Its NAEP Scores
Louisiana's state schools chief discusses the importance of reading and math instruction and "letting teachers teach."
States
Lawmakers Want to Fix Student Absenteeism With Ice Cream Parties, Data, and More
State lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills aiming to make school attendance a priority.
Federal
McMahon Says Schools With 'Gender Plans' Could Be Violating Federal Privacy Law
The U.S. Department of Education opened investigations under FERPA into two states, alleging violations of parents' rights.
Student Well-Being & Movement
What RFK Jr. Thinks Schools Ought To Do About Cellphones
At least 19 states have laws or policies that ban or restrict students鈥� use of cellphones in schools, according to EdWeek's tracker.
Equity & Diversity
A Wave of New Legislation Aims to Ban DEI in Public Schools
State legislators have introduced measures that would prohibit schools from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion offices.
States
Oklahoma Asks Trump for Sweeping Flexibility in How It Spends School Funding
The request is one of several already made or in the works that will test the flexibility of the Trump administration.
States
Opinion
Trump Wants to Send Education 'Back to the States.' Are States Even Ready?
The federal government has often led the way in reform, and only some states have shown the capacity to take over.
Standards & Accountability
States Are Testing How Much Leeway They Can Get From Trump's Ed. Dept.
A provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act allows the secretary of education to waive certain state requirements.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Research Says Recess Is Important. What Stands in the Way?
Recess, and unstructured play, is essential for development for children, but equity issues can abound.
States
Tracker
Which States Are Challenging Undocumented Students鈥� Right to Free Education?
States are reviving efforts to challenge the 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling that guarantees undocumented students a free, public education.