Education
Follow the latest Education news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
March 15, 2025 at 6:26 PM

Department of Education cuts expected to have 'huge impacts' on teachers

After the Department of Education gutted nearly 50% of its workforce, educators have expressed deep concern -- not only for students' futures but for their own as well.
March 15, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Parents and students gather to lobby against a Republican-led spending bill that would lead to sharp budget cuts for the District of Columbia and its public schools on Capitol Hill, Mar. 13, 2025, in Washington.
March 15, 2025 at 1:50 AM

3 claims about the Department of Education and what it really does

President Donald Trump and his allies continue to make false claims about education in the country.
March 15, 2025 at 1:50 AM
The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Eduction, which were ordered closed for the day for what officials described as security reasons amid large-scale layoffs, is seen Mar. 12, 2025, in Washington.
March 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM

'We have a long way to go': educator on pandemic impact on students

Professor Sean Reardon of Stanford University discusses recent data that found U.S. students are a half level grade behind in math and reading and how the COVID-19 pandemic may of played a role.
March 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM
VIDEO: 'We have a long way to go': educator on pandemic impact on students
March 14, 2025 at 7:05 PM

Master P teaches financial literacy through music 

Rapper Percy “Master P” Miller talks about his work at an elementary school in Newark, New Jersey, where he’s teaching students about financial literacy through music.
March 14, 2025 at 7:05 PM
VIDEO: Master P teaches financial literacy through music 
March 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Over 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign

More than 50 universities are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump’s campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs his officials say exclude white and Asian American students
March 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
FILE - The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Education, March 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
March 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM

Formerly incarcerated single mom passes bar on 1st try

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going,” Fordham Law student Afrika Owens told "GMA."
March 13, 2025 at 8:19 PM
VIDEO: Formerly incarcerated single mom passes bar on 1st try, shares emotions in viral video
March 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM

Fired Education Department worker reacts to mass layoffs

Joe Murphy worked at the Education Department for almost 20 years before his role was eliminated when the Department of Education laid off nearly 50% of its workforce Tuesday evening.
March 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM
VIDEO: Fired Education Department worker reacts to mass layoffs
March 13, 2025 at 7:26 PM

Fired Education Department worker: 'We got the sense that we were disposable.'

Joe Murphy worked at the Education Department for almost 20 years.
March 13, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Civil servants and supporters of the Department of Education rally outside the department in Washington, Mar. 11, 2025.
March 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM

Education Department cuts agency that measures student performance

Education Department cuts agency that compiles 'Nation's Report Card' and measures student performance.
March 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Eduction, which were ordered closed for the day for what officials described as security reasons amid large-scale layoffs, is seen Mar. 12, 2025, in Washington.
March 13, 2025 at 8:43 AM

Department of Education cuts nearly 50% of staff, over 1,300 workers

Cuts impacted every part of the Department of Education, according to senior officials. A source told ABC News that the Offices for Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid were most affected by layoffs.
March 13, 2025 at 8:43 AM
VIDEO: Department of Education cuts nearly 50% of staff, over 1,300 workers
March 13, 2025 at 1:38 AM

Fmr. Education Secretary on massive cuts to Dept. of Education workforce

ABC News’ Linsey Davis speaks with John B. King, the education secretary under President Barack Obama, on the future of the department amid mass layoffs under President Donald Trump
March 13, 2025 at 1:38 AM
VIDEO: Fmr. Education Secretary on massive cuts to Dept. of Education workforce
March 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM

Fired Education Dept. worker: 'We got the sense that we were disposable'

Joe Murphy, whose position as a management and data analyst was eliminated when the Department of Education laid off nearly 50% of its workforce.
March 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Joe Murphy, whose position as a management and data analyst was eliminated when the Department of Education laid off nearly 50% of its workforce.
March 12, 2025 at 7:53 PM

'Upsetting': Civil servants across the US part of Department of Education's layoffs

The Department of Education's mass layoffs on Tuesday affected some 1,315 employees -- including civil servants around the country.
March 12, 2025 at 7:53 PM
The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Eduction, which were ordered closed for the day for what officials described as security reasons amid large-scale layoffs, is seen Mar. 12, 2025, in Washington.
March 12, 2025 at 6:13 PM

Meet the 16-year-old who is the youngest teacher in America

Shania Muhammad, who graduated college at the age of 15, is now a third grade teacher and a testament to the idea that you're never too young to achieve your goals.
March 12, 2025 at 6:13 PM
VIDEO: Meet the 16-year-old who is the youngest teacher in America
March 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM

Trump weighs in on Department of Education cuts

President Trump said he felt "very badly" but quickly claimed, without evidence, that many of its employees weren't going to work or doing a good job.
March 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Trump weighs in on Department of Education cuts
March 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM

LA schools superintendent says closing of DOE would bring 'catastrophic harm'

The superintendent for the nation's second largest public school system says the closure of the Department of Education would bring "catastrophic harm."
March 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
The US Department of Education building is seen in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13, 2025.
March 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM

Trump administration enacts mass layoffs at Department of Education

The Department of Education initiated mass layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%, sources told ABC News.
March 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
VIDEO: Trump administration enacts mass layoffs at Department of Education
March 12, 2025 at 1:37 PM

Department of Education lays off nearly 50% of its workforce

Mass layoffs are impacted 1,315 employees of the Department of Education, sources told ABC News.
March 12, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Civil servants and supporters of the Department of Education rally outside the department in Washington, Mar. 11, 2025.
March 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM

Teacher asks 7th grade students to react to 'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne

Shane Frakes, the teacher behind 7th Grade Chronicles on social media, asked his students to react to the song, which was popular when he was in middle school. Their responses did not disappoint.
March 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Shane Frakes, the teacher behind 7th Grade Chronicles on social media, asked his students to react to the song, which was popular when he was in middle school. Their responses did not disappoint.
March 8, 2025 at 5:55 AM

As universities face cuts to research funding, it's time for 'damage control' at Duke

Facing the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, Duke University is preparing for the worst
March 8, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Duke University pharmacology and cancer biology professor Donald McDonnell talks during a tour, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
March 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM

Gov. JB Pritzker on education proposals in Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker traveled to various cities in Illinois to discuss his new education proposals, including banning cell phones in schools. He discusses the latest.
March 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
VIDEO: Gov. JB Pritzker on education proposals in Illinois
March 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM

When will the Department of Education be dissolved? Secretary McMahon doesn't know

Linda McMahon said Friday that President Donald Trump "intends" to sign an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education -- but it's still unclear when.
March 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon arrives to President Trump's joint address to Congress on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.
March 7, 2025 at 3:23 AM

What could be lost if cuts are made to the Department of Education

ABC News' Linsey Davis speaks with former Department of Education Sec. Arne Duncan on the functions of the DOE and what could be lost if the Trump administration moves forward with cuts.
March 7, 2025 at 3:23 AM
VIDEO: What could be lost if cuts are made to the Department of Education
March 7, 2025 at 12:08 AM

Future of Department of Education in question

Sheria Smith, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees local 252, discussed the latest on President Donald Trump's threats toward the Department of Education.
March 7, 2025 at 12:08 AM
VIDEO: Future of Department of Education in question
March 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM

'Teachers all over this country are losing jobs right now': Becky Pringle

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, talks about the possible dismantling of the Department of Education.
March 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM
VIDEO: 'Teachers all over this country are losing jobs right now': Becky Pringle
March 6, 2025 at 8:59 PM

Trump won't sign executive order to dissolve Department of Education today: Sources

A draft of the executive order called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate a department closure by taking all necessary steps "permitted by law," sources had earlier told ABC News.
March 6, 2025 at 8:59 PM
VIDEO: Trump won't sign executive order to dissolve Department of Education today: Sources
March 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM

How dissolving Education Department could affect students

ABC News' Alex Presha and Jennifer Jenkins, founder and chair of Educated We Stand, discuss the potential impact of dismantling the Department of Education.
March 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
VIDEO: How dissolving Education Department could affect students
March 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM

Linda McMahon announces plans for Education Department's final mission

Secretary Linda McMahon has released what she calls the “final mission” for the Department of Education.
March 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Education, testifies during her Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing, Feb. 13, 2025 in Washington.
February 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM

'DEI needs to go': Education Department launches 'END DEI' website

The new online portal went live on Thursday for the community to submit discrimination-focused complaints. ABC News’ Alex Presha reports.
February 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
VIDEO: 'DEI needs to go': Education Department launches 'END DEI' website
February 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM

Department of Education launches website to 'identify' DEI in school districts

The Department of Education launched a first-of-its-kind website, "EndDEI.Ed.Gov," hours before a deadline warning institutions to end illegal discrimination.
February 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
People walk in front of the Department of Education building, in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2025.
February 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM

With threats to diversity in schools, are Black male teachers in jeopardy?

The Department of Education letter stressing that discrimination on the basis of race is "illegal" could put Black male educators at risk, according to education experts.
February 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM
De'Shawn Washington, 2024 MA Teacher of the Year, delivers a speech on teacher retention and recruitment to an audience of MA Superintendents and School Committee Board members at the M.A.S.S/M.A.S.C. Conference, Nov. 8, 2024, in Hyannis, Mass.
February 26, 2025 at 11:16 PM

NY governor orders CUNY college to remove Palestinian Studies professor job listing

Hunter College removed a job listing for a Palestinian Studies professor at the direction of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the university system has confirmed.
February 26, 2025 at 11:16 PM
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a news conference on New York City Mayor Eric Adams, not pictured, Feb. 20, 2025, in New York.
February 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM

Education department gives schools 2 weeks to ban DEI initiatives

Schools and universities could risk losing federal funding if they don’t comply with the directive. ABC News’ Alex Presha reports.
February 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
VIDEO: Education department gives schools 2 weeks to ban DEI initiatives
February 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM

Los Angeles public schools begin ban on cellphones

The Los Angeles Unified School District's ban also includes smart watches and glasses, and some parents are critical of the new rule.
February 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
VIDEO: Los Angeles public schools begin ban on cellphones
1 month ago

How dismantling the Department of Education could impact millions of students

Ohio schoolteacher Heather Stambaugh discusses how her rural school district could be impacted by the dismantling of the Department of Education.
1 month ago
VIDEO: How dismantling the Department of Education could impact millions of students
1 month ago

'Devastating': Father of special needs boys concerned about impact of shuttering DOE

A father of special needs children said he is concerned about the future of his sons’ learning opportunities amid threats to shutter the Department of Education.
1 month ago
Donte Moore and his son, Sir Donte Moore, speak with ABC News.
1 month ago

Trump bars federal funding to schools with COVID vaccine mandates

The executive order applies to students and not to teachers or staff. 
1 month ago
President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 14, 2025 in Washington.
1 month ago

Father of special needs children fears shuttering of Department of Education programs

Donte Moore, a father of two children with special needs, shares concern over the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Department of Education.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Father of special needs children fears shuttering of Department of Education programs
1 month ago

Educators sound alarm on programs tangled up in Education Department shutdown

If the Department of Education is dismantled, as some Republican lawmakers are hoping to do, public school K-12 educators fear what programs could be impacted.
1 month ago
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington.
1 month ago

Education nominee McMahon grilled amid Trump's vow to kill department

WWE co-founder Linda McMahon was in the hot seat on Capitol Hill as she faced questions over her education secretary nomination.
1 month ago
Linda McMahon arrives to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on her nomination to be Education Secretary at Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 13, 2025.
1 month ago

Top public school teachers fear looming Department of Education changes

President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order that would call for the secretary to submit a proposal to diminish the Department of Education.
1 month ago
President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order that would call for the secretary to submit a proposal to diminish the Department of Education.
1 month ago

Top teachers worry there could be 'no future' if Trump drastically changes DOE

President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order that would call for the secretary to submit a proposal to diminish the Education Department.
1 month ago
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building is seen in Washington, DC, Feb. 07, 2025.
1 month ago

What will dismantling the Education Department mean for your student loans?

The Trump administration is gearing up for large changes to the Department of Education, which oversees a $1.6 trillion portfolio of student loans.
1 month ago
A view of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C., Feb. 1, 2025.
1 month ago

Children, schools face renewed fears over heightened immigration enforcement

In classrooms across the country, children of immigrants are paralyzed by fear over news that immigration enforcement officers are now allowed to enter schools.
1 month ago
U.S. Immigrations and Customs (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents walks a handcuffed immigrant at a Home Depot parking lot in Tucson, Arizona, January 26, 2025.
1 month ago

Security blocks Democratic lawmakers from entering Department of Education building

Plus, Elon Musk’s DOGE agency access and what to expect on Super Bowl Sunday.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Security blocks Democratic lawmakers from entering Department of Education building
1 month ago

Democrats attempt to enter Department of Education to meet with leadership

ABC News' Jay O'Brien reports on the efforts by Democrats to counteract President Trump's expected executive order to shutter the Department of Education.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Democrats attempt to enter Department of Education to meet with leadership
1 month ago

Democrats demand answers on Education Department’s future

A group of Democratic lawmakers are raising concerns about Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and its plans to slash funding at federal agencies. ABC News’ Jay O’Brien reports.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Democrats demand answers on Education Department’s future
1 month ago

Creating next generation of Black male teachers Job One for educator's nonprofit

 The Black Male Educators Alliance is working to close the gap for Black male teachers in schools.
1 month ago
Black Male Educators Alliance attempts to bridge pipeline for more Black educators in schools.
1 month ago

Possible impacts of dismantling the Department of Education

The President of the National Education Association, Rebecca Pringle, discusses the possibility of cuts to the Department of Education.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Possible impacts of dismantling the Department of Education
1 month ago

Trump's plan to shut down Education Department is ‘will of the voters’: Sen. Cruz

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, discusses the president’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education and USAID.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Trump's plan to shut down Education Department is ‘will of the voters’: Sen. Cruz