U.S. Departments of Education and Labor Take Next Steps in Workforce Development Partnership

The Departments of Education and Labor announced steps to integrate federal workforce development programs under a shared framework. This includes launching an integrated state plan portal and transferring funds to streamline WIOA, adult education, and family literacy programs, which will impact how agencies manage LMS and reporting systems.

Title IX Investigation at Denver Public Schools Raises Training and Compliance Concerns

The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Denver Public Schools, underscoring the importance of robust compliance training. Public institutions may need to adapt LMS content to ensure staff are up to date on evolving Title IX standards.

FAFSA 2026–27 Launch Timeline Announced

The Department of Education confirmed FAFSA 2026–27 will launch on October 1, 2025. Public institutions will need to ensure that their LMS and advising tools align with updated financial aid processes for smooth student support.

New Federal Guidance on Safeguarding Academia

The U.S. government released “Safeguarding Academia” guidance to strengthen protections around federally funded research. Agencies and institutions may need to update LMS-based training modules for research staff to align with new security protocols.

DOE Rescinds English Learner Guidance

The Department of Education rescinded prior guidance for English learner programs, prompting states and districts to determine new approaches. LMS platforms may need to adjust instructional delivery and reporting tools to reflect policy changes.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Rulemaking Underway

The Department of Education initiated rulemaking on PSLF eligibility, potentially expanding program access. Public institutions may need to adapt LMS financial counseling modules to reflect new eligibility criteria.

U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Use in Schools

The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance promoting the ethical use of AI in digital learning platforms funded by federal agencies. The framework focuses on transparency, bias mitigation, and data privacy, encouraging federal grantees and contractors to align LMS and assessment tools accordingly.

How Pell Grant Expansions Will Support Workforce Training Programs

The U.S. government is expanding Pell Grants to include workforce training programs as part of new legislation signed by President Trump. The law provides aid to students in short-term postsecondary training, marking a shift in federal financial support.

Cybersecurity Regulation in Flux Under Trump Administration

The Trump administration is shifting cybersecurity policy to emphasize foreign threats and national security, possibly softening domestic compliance burdens in tech and education sectors.

More Than Half the States Have Issued AI Guidance for Schools

At least 28 states have created frameworks guiding how K–12 schools use AI tools, touching on data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and instructional design.

Funding Opportunity: Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development

NIST announced new grants supporting local cybersecurity education and workforce programs, with an emphasis on upskilling underserved communities.

U.S. Department of Education Funds ACE Blockchain Research

The Education Blockchain Initiative aims to improve digital credentials through research conducted by the American Council on Education.

FTC Amends Children’s Privacy Rules — Big Changes for Ed Tech

COPPA regulations have been updated to limit how ed tech firms handle student data, restrict ad targeting, and enforce tighter consent protocols.

FCC Approves $200M Cybersecurity Pilot for Schools and Libraries

The FCC launched a cybersecurity pilot to fund digital protection services for schools and libraries, reinforcing digital learning environments.

US Launches Unit to Target DEI Policies at Colleges with Civil Fraud Probes

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a new initiative targeting discriminatory DEI practices in higher education institutions through civil fraud investigations.

What the House Budget Bill Proposes for Student Loans — And How It Will Impact Borrowers

The proposed budget seeks to consolidate income-driven repayment plans and increase costs for some federal borrowers, raising concerns among student advocates.

California Court Halts School District's CRT Ban

A California appeals court struck down a local school district's ban on critical race theory, citing concerns over student rights and curriculum integrity.

AI Goes to School: U.S. Expands Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Classrooms

A national initiative is introducing AI-driven learning tools in schools, aimed at boosting tech literacy and preparing students for AI-integrated careers.

April 2025 Federal Education Policy Updates

A review of legislative activity impacting federal education priorities, including Pell Grant expansion, CTE funding, and assessments of pandemic recovery efforts.

Trump Signs Seven More Executive Orders Impacting K–12 and Higher Ed

The executive orders cover issues from skilled trade education to school discipline reform and college accreditation standards.

Executive Order: Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

This executive order calls for scaling back federal oversight in education and increasing state-level control, citing the need for flexibility and local alignment.

Tightening Title II: A Blueprint for Digital Accessibility in Higher Ed

Stricter Title II regulations demand accessible digital experiences across LMSs and online learning environments, with legal risks for non-compliance.

March 6, 2025

Digital Learning Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education

WICHE emphasizes the need for alignment between digital learning strategy and institutional mission, highlighting LMS platforms as a central tool.

March 3, 2025

Suspension of Four Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans

The Dept. of Ed. halted enrollment in multiple income-driven repayment plans, raising concerns for borrowers who depend on affordable repayment pathways.

January 31, 2025

Reinstatement of 2020 Title IX Regulations

A Trump executive order redefines sex under Title IX, prompting institutions to revisit and realign compliance procedures related to discrimination and reporting.

January 14, 2025

Report: Only 27% of States Prepared to Sustain K-12 Digital Access

With federal programs ending, most states lack sustainable plans for digital access — raising the need for scalable LMS solutions and long-term tech infrastructure.