Policy/Legislation

IEL Statement Regarding the Signing of Executive Order to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education 

Washington, D.C. – March 20, 2025    President Trump signed Executive Order Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities on March 20, 2025, aimed at significantly reducing the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This Executive Action is in keeping with President Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the federal Department of Education and resembles the […]

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IEL Policy Update: Government Shutdown Averted, Layoffs at U.S. Department of Education

On Friday evening, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until September 30th.  In a 54-46 vote, the Senate passed the House Republican-led bill, which increased defense funding by $6 billion but cut nondefense spending by $13 billion. President Trump is expected to sign the bill, thus keeping the government open

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February Federal Policy Update

The latest news, views, & tools in federal education policy 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 in February, and what lies ahead.  The U.S. Department of Education: The Senate confirmation hearing of

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Doubling Down on What Works: Community Schools and Family Engagement Can Unify Our Divided Education Landscape 

By Eddie Koen, IEL President After each transfer of power in our country, it’s easy to focus on the political divides that dominate headlines – especially today. But beyond the partisan battles lies a quieter, more profound truth: the future of our communities isn’t shaped in Washington or state capitals—it’s shaped in our neighborhoods, schools,

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January Federal Policy Update

What’s Happening in Washington The latest news, views, & tools in federal education policy *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. The 119th Congress: Congress is officially in session. In the U.S. Senate, the new Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (H.E.L.P.) Committee Chair is Senator Bill

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End-of-Year Message from Eddie Koen, IEL President

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year of progress, resilience, and impact at the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). Together, we’ve continued to champion better education systems and uplift youth, families, and communities across the nation. Your support has been integral to advancing our mission, and I am excited to

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December Federal Policy Update

What’s Happening in Washington A summary of recent federal policy actions and a look ahead to the coming weeks Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy over November and December, and what’s in store as we wrap up the year.   ​​Closing Out the 118th Congress & Government Funding: The current government funding ends later this

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A Renewed Call to Abolish the U.S. Department of Education and Its Implications

Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) has introduced a seven-page senate bill S. 5384, “A Bill To Abolish the Department of Education, and for Other Purposes,” cited also as “Returning Education to Our States Act.” The bill was referred on November 21st to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Although the bill is unlikely

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November Federal Policy Update

What’s Happening in Washington A summary of recent federal policy actions and a look ahead to the coming weeks Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy over November and what’s in store for the month of December. The 2024 Presidential and Congressional Election Results: The next President of the United States will be former President

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IEL Post-Election Message 2024

November 6, 2024 Dear IEL Community: Now that the 2024 Presidential Election has come to a close, we look toward the future and will continue to pursue excellence in educational opportunity and equity in the new Trump Administration. We anticipate the following policy priorities over the next four years: President-Elect Trump’s vision for education is

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