What’s Happening in Washington
*Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government.
Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy for the month of April, and what lies ahead.
The U.S. Congress:
The Season of Appropriations: The U.S. House and Senate are now working to reconcile differences between their respective budget resolutions for FY25. The House’s resolution instructs the Education and Workforce Committee to identify $330 billion in spending reductions. While specific program cuts have not yet been detailed, these reductions could potentially impact funding for K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development programs. The Senate’s resolution does not specify cuts to education.
On April 10, following Senate action, the House adopted the final concurrent budget resolution. This sets the stage for Congress to begin work on a budget reconciliation bill upon their return from recess. Congress was in recess until April 28, after which many committees are expected to begin the markup process. Reconciliation developments can be tracked here.
As FY25 budget discussions continue, FY26 discussions have begun. The White House is expected to release its FY26 budget request in mid-May, with an outline or “skinny budget” anticipated by the end of April.
The Department of Education:
The ED Announces Office of Postsecondary Education Negotiated Rulemaking: On April 3, the ED announced its intention to start negotiated rulemaking on various programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Department is inviting public feedback on streamlining higher education regulations and federal assistance programs.
The ED Announces Funding Flexibility Supporting Education Choice: On March 31, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education sent a letter to all chief state school officers notifying them of existing flexibility in federal formula funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to support education choice initiatives. The Trump Administration has reiterated its support of education choice initiatives.
The ED Announces Political Appointees: On April 15, 2025, the ED announced a list of seven new political appointees to the Department of Education under the Trump-Vance Administration.
2026 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): On April 17, Secretary McMahon announced that the Department will administer the 2026 NAEP from mid-January to Mid-March of the next academic year.
The ED to Begin Federal Student Loan Collections: On April 21, the Department of Education announced its Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will resume federal student loan collections on Monday, May 5th. The Department has not collected on defaulted loans since March 2020.
The White House:
White House Extends the Federal Hiring Freeze: On April 17, President Donald Trump announced that the freeze on hiring federal civilian employees within the executive branch—originally ordered in the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum—will be extended through July 15, 2025.
A Wave of Executive Orders: On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed several Executive Orders regarding higher education and K-12 education. We have included three EOs below that relate to K-12 education.
- Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth: This EO creates a Presidential Task Force to examine how schools can use AI to improve education outcomes.
- Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies: This EO requires Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon to issue new guidance to LEAs and SEAs on school discipline and “their obligation not to engage in racial discrimination under Title VI in all contexts.”
- Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future: This EO creates pathways for at least 1 million new active apprenticeships. It requires the Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Education to review and submit a report on all Federal workforce development programs.
Events & Resources
Register NOW for our 2025 National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota from May 28 -30, 2025! ✍️
- This national conference brings together people from across the country who believe all children deserve a safe place to live and opportunities to learn and thrive. Inspired by our theme: Rising Together: Powering the Movement, the conference catalyzes collaboration, action, and a renewed commitment to transforming our practices, partnerships, and systems!
Join us at our Quarterly Policy Webinar: Using Date in Policy Advocacy
- In today’s fast-paced policy landscape, data is more than just numbers — it’s a powerful tool for change. Join us for this skill-building webinar, “Using Data in Policy Advocacy,” where we’ll explore how data can elevate your advocacy efforts, influence decision-makers, and drive meaningful policy outcomes.
- Join us on May 14, 2025 at 2:00pm ET. Register here!
Webinars & Capacity Building Events 💻
- Centering Young People’s Voice and Agency in and Through Research and Policy on April 28 at 9am – 6pm ET. Hosted by Brookings Institute.
- Education Research & Evaluation: What Changes in Federal Support Mean for Education Effectiveness on April 29 at 1:00pm ET. Hosted by Grantmakers for Education.
- Navigating the Rapid Pace of Education Policy Change. Your Questions, Answered on April 29 at 1:00pm ET. Hosted by Education Weekly (Free).
- The First 100 Days: How State and Local Leaders are Responding on April 30 at 3:00pm ET. Hosted by Grantmakers for Thriving Youth.
- The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs on May 1, 2:00pm ET. Hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
- 2025 Hot Topics in Education: A Virtual Meeting Series from April 4 – May 16. Hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
- The State of the Educator Workforce on May 2 at 3:00pm ET
- State Approaches to Increasing Teacher Salaries on May 9 at 3:00pm ET
- Afterschool Webinar: Policy Pulse on May 9 at 12:00pm. Hosted by Afterschool Alliance.
- Strengthening Postsecondary and Workforce Data Alignment on May 15 at 3pm ET. Hosted by the Education Commission of the States.
New Research, Reports, & Analysis 📝
- Educational Researcher 54:3 by The American Educational Research Association (AERA)
- How federal investments in education research help students succeed by the Brookings Institute
- New Power of Us Workforce Survey Report Provides First-of-its-Kind Insights into the Youth Fields Workforce by American Institute of Research (AIR)
IEL Policy Updates 📜
- 119th Congressional Policy Agenda: Co-design IEL’s 119th Congress Policy by the People Agenda with members of our network! This policy agenda will reflect the experiences and ideas of the hundreds of leaders we work with across our networks, including you, to address the most significant issues in education and workforce development. To provide your thoughts on what should be a part of IEL’s 119th Congress Policy Agenda, complete this survey.