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 happened in federal education policy in the month of August, and what lies ahead.
The U.S. Congress
Congress Returns from August Recess: Prior to breaking for August Recess, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to continue to fund the federal government until December 11. This bill differs from the House CR, passed on July 22, which would fund the government until December 4. Both bills would fund the federal government at FY26 levels with the goal of avoiding a government shutdown during the Midterm elections. Once both chambers are back in session, the legislative bodies will need to work to reconcile the differences in their CR bills.
As part of the appropriations process for fiscal year 2027, the House passed its FY27 Labor-HHS funding bill, which includes money for education programs, through committee in June. The Senate has not yet scheduled a markup of its version of the bill.
House Education & Workforce Committee Looks to Codify IAA, Meets Opposition in the Senate: On July 15, the U.S. House of Representative Committee on Education and Workforce passed a package of 10 bills along party lines. This bill would codify some of the Trump Administration’s Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs) to shift education programs to other federal agencies. This bill awaits a floor vote but is unlikely to pass the Senate. On July 21, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a bipartisan bill S.5046 in opposition to this package. On July 30, the Senate HELP Committee discussed the bill in a closed-door Executive Session and passed it with amendment. The bill is now scheduled on the Senate calendar for debate by the full chamber.
The U.S. Department of Education
ED Proposed Rule to Impact Federal Grantmaking: On August 24, the Federal Register released a proposed rule for comment. The Secretary of Education proposes to amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and other provisions in 2 CFR parts 3474 and 3485 to update the regulations based on ED priorities. This would also reflect technical updates on OMB Administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards. The comment period ends on September 23.
OMB Has Fully Funded Several Programs, Including Full-Service Community Schools: On August 17, the Full-Service Community Schools grant program and Promise Neighborhood program received full apportionment. Priorly, the Trump administration withheld the full education grant amount, totaling $2 billion.
U.S. Department of Education Approves Additional Ed-Flex Applications: On August 21, the Department of Education approved Ed-Flex applications for Arizona, Nevada, and South Carolina. Ed-Flex allows approved state educational agencies (SEAs) to waive select statutory or regulatory requirements for districts and schools without first having to submit those waivers to the Department of Education for review and approval. There are now 25 states with approved applications.
ED Approves First and Second Workforce Pell Grant Program in Iowa and Indiana: In early August, the Department of Education approved the nation’s first and second Workforce Pell Grant programs in Iowa and Indiana. In Iowa, eligible students at Iowa Central Community College can now use federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician program. In Indiana, eligible students at Ivy Tech Community College can now use federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Clinical Medical Assistant program.
ED Releases Guidance on Responsible Use of Education Technology in the Classroom: On August 20, the Department of Education released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) encouraging a focus on instructional value over recreational engagement when selecting and using technological tools in the classroom. The DCL emphasizes parent transparency, student outcomes, and evidence-based decisions.
ED Releases Guidance on Student Discipline Policies in Relation to Race: On August 18, the Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), detailing that discipline policies must treat students even-handedly and must neither favor nor disfavor any student based on their race.
The Department of Health and Human Services
HHS Proposes Reduction of Head State Program: On August 6, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed rescinding and replacing the Head Start Program Performance Standards. These proposed changes would lower the limit on administrative overhead, rollback of wage rules, and shifts from federal to state oversight. Comments may be submitted until October 6.
The Judicial Branch
Meta to Pay up to $18 Billion to Settle Lawsuit Alleging Social Media Harm to Children: In a landmark settlement with 47 states, D.C., and other U.S. territories, Meta agreed to pay as much as $18 billion and institute sweeping changes to how children can use their apps. This settlement announced on August 26 will require Meta to introduce certain rules for teenage users, including daily limits and night-time blocks to protect the mental and physical wellbeing of youth. Meta denied wrongdoing upon agreeing to settle.
IEL Policy Updates 📜
- Policy & Advocacy Resources and Tools: Whether you are looking for easy how-to guides to reach out to your federal or state representatives or to share the impact of Community Schools on your community, we have a resource for you! Also, check out our previous policy webinars for refreshers on the federal budget process, the role of data, formula grants, and more!
- Want to learn how to build meaningful, strategic relationships with media to advance educational opportunities and promote issues that matter to your school community? Join us for the webinar, Effectively Collaborating with Media to Support Advocacy and Impact, on Tuesday, September 1 from 2-3:00 PM ET. Click this link to register for this free webinar.
- The 9th Annual Coordinator’s Appreciation Week (CAW) is just around the corner! Help us celebrate Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week, September 13-19, 2026, by sharing your Community School story and lifting up the amazing work of your Coordinator. Be on the lookout for our toolkit.
Events & Resources
Webinars & Capacity Building Events 💻
- Insights to Action: Lessons from the Early Childhood Field August 31, 2026, 1-2:30pm ET, Hosted by New America
- Homeroom with Education Leaders | From the Ballot to the Policy Agenda: What State Elections Mean for Education September 9, 2026, 2pm ET, hosted by The Hunt Institute
- Investing in Educators, Improving Families’ Access to Care: Evidence from DC’s Early Educator Compensation Initiative September 14, 2026, 2pm ET, Hosted by the Urban Institute
- Attendance Isn’t an Attendance Problem September 21, 2026, 1pm ET, Hosted by Education Week
- New Directions in Career Navigation September 22, 2026, 2pm ET, Hosted by FutureEd
- AI, Memory, and Student Privacy in K-12 Education September 24, 2026, 3:15pm ET, Hosted by American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
New Research, Reports, & Analysis 📝
- Enhancing Student Agency Through School AI Councils by Brookings Institution