Educational News Round Up, May 8, 2025

by Mandy Morgan May 8, 2025

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Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Evaluation: A Guide for Medical Professionals on Supporting Families

A comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluation (CDE) is essential for accurately diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and accessing necessary therapies, with healthcare providers playing a critical role in ensuring a supportive and informative process for families. Transparent communication, clear explanations, and sensitivity to parental concerns can significantly reduce anxiety and create trust, facilitating early intervention and enabling better long-term outcomes for children.

Elizabeth Warren is challenging Trump’s top education official to defend policies that could put student-loan borrowers at risk

Senator Elizabeth Warren is pressing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to justify the Trump administration’s education policies, which include dismantling the Department of Education and scrapping affordable student-loan repayment plans, amid concerns these actions will make higher education less accessible, particularly for low-income students and families. Warren’s forum and letter highlight the potential negative impacts on student-loan borrowers, particularly as Trump restarts loan collections, raising significant worries about the future affordability and accessibility of education in the U.S.

MISSING: Accountability at The MASTERS Program

The MASTERS Program (TMP), a charter school in Santa Fe, faced significant scrutiny but ultimately secured a five-year contract renewal from the Public Education Commission despite ongoing violations of special education laws and allegations of administrative retaliation. This decision raises questions about the adequacy of oversight and accountability in charter schools, especially in terms of fulfilling legal obligations to students with disabilities and managing internal conflicts effectively.

NYS Board of Regents approves ‘fast track’ license suspensions for teachers accused of sex abuse

New York’s state Education Department can now temporarily suspend the teaching licenses of educators accused of sexually abusing students, a measure approved by the Board of Regents aimed at immediately removing alleged offenders from classrooms while their cases are investigated. Supported by educators and the teachers’ union, this rule not only enhances student protection and accountability but also offers financial relief to districts by potentially eliminating the need to continue paying accused teachers’ salaries during suspension.

Paul Vallas: Department of Education should stop CPS probe and reform education in ways that matter

The Trump administration’s push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and redirect control to states and parents highlights a contentious debate over the federal investigation into Chicago Public Schools’ Black Student Success Plan, which critics argue both undermines local autonomy and masks deeper systemic issues in educational equity. Critics suggest that efforts would be better spent focusing on broader systemic reforms, like expanding school choice and dismantling entrenched education bureaucracies that have historically failed to meet the needs of minority students.

RPS announces loss of $1.9 million grant for mental health resources

The cancellation of a $1.9 million federal grant meant to develop school-based mental health services in Rochester Public Schools halts efforts to expand support for students amidst a nationwide mental health crisis. This termination, attributed to shifting federal priorities, leaves current and prospective participants without necessary funding to complete their qualifications, potentially reducing the district’s ability to meet escalating mental health needs among its students.

Trump Department of Education investigating Evanston-Skokie D65 for alleged racial discrimination

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Evanston/Skokie School District 65 following a complaint by the Southeastern Legal Foundation, which alleges the district engages in racial discrimination by promoting race-based educational practices and segregating students and staff. The inquiry reflects ongoing national debates over the role of race and social justice in school curricula, as legal and educational entities confront the boundaries of civil rights laws and constitutional mandates for colorblindness in educational settings.

Trump Is Taking a Wrecking Ball to Indigenous Education

The article highlights the significant challenges facing Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) due to federal funding cuts and scholarship freezes enacted by the Trump administration, which have jeopardized the educational and financial support systems essential for Native students. These cuts, seen as a breach of treaty obligations, have prompted lawsuits from Native students and leaders, underscoring the broader implications for Native sovereignty and the potential long-term impact on Indigenous education and community resilience.