Education policies are evolving rapidly. Check back often for updates. If you have questions or need support due to recent changes, contact ACCESS at 1-844-552-2237 or Request Support and the Aga Khan Education Board can assist you.
Last updated: May 19, 2025
As public education policies evolve, we are committed to keeping parents informed about key changes that may impact their children’s education. This page provides the latest updates, explanations, and resources to help you navigate these developments. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance due to recent policy changes, we are here to support you. You can contact ACCESS at 1-844-552-2237 or submit a request for support, and a member of the Aga Khan Education Board will connect with you to provide guidance.
Since 1965, the federal government has provided financial assistance for children from low-income families to school districts across the country. The administration plans to shift the decision of education funding up to the individual states, which could potentially mean reducing the amount of funding received by schools in low-income neighborhoods. Funding for charter schools and private schools might increase, through tax credits or vouchers. What this means for parents is that if you are in a high-poverty district, your state might decide to reduce the amount of funding available to your public schools and alternatively invest more in charter schools and private schools. Not all charter schools are considered high-quality; consult with AKEB if you wish to explore quality charter options for your children.
What Parents Can Do: Stay informed about your state’s education budget and attend school board meetings to advocate for resource allocation. If you have questions about schooling options, please reach out to the Aga Khan Education Board here.
More info:
What is Budget Reconciliation
What Can You Do
What’s at Stake for P-12 Students
What’s at Stake for College Students
The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) mandates that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. Currently, Congress contributes about 10%. The federal government’s current budget proposal reduces this funding by another 15%. It also gives states more flexibility on what they should spend for education funding and other state programs. At the moment, several federal grants for special education have been canceled. While IDEA protections remain intact, enforcement of special education rights could weaken if oversight from the federal government is reduced.
What Parents Can Do: Work closely with your child’s IEP team, stay updated on state special education policies, and connect with Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) for support.
More info:
National Center for Learning Disabilitiess
Center for Parent Information & Resources
Idea Full Funding Fund
Join AKEB’s WhatsApp group for special education services
Federal funding for teacher training, culturally responsive teaching, and DEI-related programs is being reduced. Despite pressure from the federal government, some state and local school districts will continue to maintain such programs. Others might stand to lose large portions of their funding if they continue these programs and might therefore choose to close them. Some states may restrict these initiatives, while others might continue them.
What Parents Can Do: Check your school district’s policies and advocate locally for the resources you might need for your child. This might include finding support for Individualized Education Plans, translations of materials sent to families and support for English Language Learners. Talk to your local Education Board representative for help with these.
What Student Can Do: If you are a student enrolled in a teacher preparation program whose funding has been canceled, you may not be able to complete your program without finding additional resources. If you enrolled in a doctoral program, and were funded through the National Science Foundation, consider applying to this Bridge Funding Program.
More info:
Education Week
National Education Association
CEF Job Board
The current budget proposal eliminates funding for two Title I programs: the $376 million migrant education state grant and the $52 million special programs for migrant students. This funding helps English learners and immigrant students learn to speak, read, and write English fluently, learn other subjects such as math and science, and meet graduation requirements. Students who are not yet fluent in English when they begin school are entitled under federal law to get help to learn the language.
What Parents Can Do: Stay informed about your state’s education budget and attend school board meetings to advocate for resource allocation. If you have questions about schooling options, please reach out to the Aga Khan Education Board here.
More info:
National Education Association
Title IX interpretations are being revised to emphasize biological sex, which could limit protections fortransgender students and limit gender-inclusive policies. Some schools may restrict bathroom access, sports participation, or support services for LGBTQ+ students.
What Parents Can Do: Know your state’s laws on LGBTQ+ rights in schools, and connect with advocacy groups if needed. If your child might be impacted by these changes, you can talk to them about their fears and concerns, work with a trained professional to provide counseling and support. Reach out to ACCESS for help with any of these.
More info:
GLSEN
Title IX Resources
Some federal grants for after-school programs, arts education, and STEM initiatives may be reduced. Research funding may shift toward career-focused training rather than DEI-related studies. The current budget proposal consolidates and cuts many other K-12 programs, which represents a $4.5 billion (66%) cut. This is likely to remove oversight of funding for afterschool programs, school safety programs and funding for magnet schools.
What Parents Can Do: Encourage school-based fundraising, seek community partnerships, and explore state grants for continued program funding.
More info: Afterschool Alliance
Pell Grants are unlikely to be eliminated, but there may be no significant increases in funding. There is a growing push for short-term vocational training programs over traditional 4-year degrees. Federal student loan programs may be scaled back or privatized. The current budget proposal eliminates funding for many programs that support access to higher education. Programs that could be at risk of being eliminated are:
What Parents Can Do: Explore state-specific grants, private scholarships, and work closely with college financial aid offices for alternative funding. Join AKEB’s Apollo Aspire program for additional guidance and support on high school and college preparation, and to identify financial aid options for higher education..
More info:
Federal Student Aid
A stronger focus on "parental rights" is emerging, potentially expanding parental access to student records while raising concerns about reduced student privacy in areas such as gender identity or mental health services.
What Parents Can Do: Review your school's privacy policies and understand your rights under FERPA.
More info:
U.S. Department of Education - FERPA
Education is largely controlled at the state and local level, so many federal changes will depend on how your state and school district respond. Some states may uphold policies that the federal government no longer enforced.
What Parents Can Do: Stay updated on state legislation, attend school board meetings, and advocate locally if needed.
More info:
Education Commission of the States
Federal student aid data sheets
More info: National PTA
Many of these changes vary by state and district, so local engagement is key. If you are concerned about any of these policy shifts, the best course of action is to stay informed, connect with your school, and use available resources to support your child’s education.
If you have any questions and would like assistance, please call ACCESS at 1-844-552-2237 or Submit an Online Request