Kirsten Baesler
Coverage of Kirsten Baesler in the Nexus archive.
- Education Department hands more states flexibility with federal dollars
The Trump administration is increasing efforts to give states more control over federal education money by offering flexible spending options. Six states received waivers allowing them to consolidate over $109 million in funding and bypass requirements for local agencies. Additionally, 22 states have been granted Education Flexibility Partnership (Ed-Flex) authority, which waives certain federal educational requirements.
- Education Department hands more states flexibility with federal dollars
The Trump administration is granting states greater flexibility in utilizing federal education funding by issuing waivers and Education Flexibility Partnership (Ed-Flex) authority. Six states consolidated over $109 million through Returning Education to the States waivers, allowing flexible use of funds for initiatives like literacy or math improvement. Additionally, 22 states received Ed-Flex authority, enabling them to waive certain federal educational requirements.
- Education Department hands more states flexibility with federal dollars
The Trump administration is increasing efforts to grant states more control over federal education money by implementing waivers for funding consolidation. Six states received waivers allowing them to consolidate over $109 million while bypassing certain requirements, and additionally, 22 states received Education Flexibility Partnership (Ed-Flex) authority to waive various federal educational mandates.
- Trump Wanted To Cut Ed Department Into Irrelevancy. New Report Shows How He Did It
A report reveals the Trump Administration significantly reduced the U.S. Department of Education's staff by 40% and terminated $2 billion in contracts and grants. The Office of English Language Acquisition, which supports immigrant students, was nearly eliminated, raising concerns about the department's ability to fulfill its obligations.
- Education Department officials deny doing an end run around Congress
Education Department officials denied bypassing Congress by transferring key functions to other agencies, stating these changes aim to improve services for students, including those with disabilities, and strengthen civil rights protections. Critics, including advocacy groups and lawmakers, have raised concerns about the lack of congressional approval and specific details on how the reorganization will benefit education.
- Long-Term NAEP Shows Growth for 9-Year-Olds, More Disappointment for Teens
New NAEP data show 9-year-olds improved in math and reading since 2022, driven by struggling students, while 13-year-olds showed no progress, with scores stagnating or declining. The pandemic's impact on middle schoolers is linked to prolonged educational disruptions, compounding existing challenges in adolescent learning.