Let’s talk about something big happening in education right now: Who gets to make the rules for schools? Is it your state government (like your governor or local lawmakers) or the federal government (like the President or Congress)? In 2025, this debate is heating up, and it’s changing how kids learn across the U.S. Let’s break it down!
States Are Taking Charge
States are passing lots of new laws to shape schools their way. For example, many states want kids to focus better in class, so they’re banning cellphones during school hours. Arkansas passed a law called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.” This means no phones are allowed from the start to the end of the school day. Alaska is also pushing schools to create rules that keep phones out of classrooms.
Next, states like Arizona and Florida are expanding “school choice.” Parents can use taxpayer money to send their kids to charter schools, which are public schools with special programs. They can also choose private schools or even pay for homeschooling supplies. Tennessee just approved a program that gives families $7,000 per student to spend on education costs. This could cover tutoring, online classes, or textbooks.
Finally, some states are fighting over what schools can teach. Texas introduced a bill called SB 37, which stops colleges from teaching that racism is built into U.S. laws or that one race is “better” than another. Critics worry this could erase lessons about slavery or the civil rights movement. Florida has a similar law called the “Stop WOKE Act,” which limits how teachers talk about race and history.
Why are states doing this? They feel they know what’s best for their communities. For example, Arizona is studying why teachers quit their jobs. They want to fix shortages. Georgia is spending money on reading programs for their young kids.
The Federal Government Pushes Back
Meanwhile, the federal government is making its own moves. One big change is cutting funding for DEI programs. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—programs that help schools support students of different races, genders, and backgrounds. The U.S. Department of Education (well the Trump administration) calls these programs “divisive,” so they’re shutting some down (per the Mandate for Leadership aka Project 2025.) This affects teacher training and resources for minority students.
The federal government is also enforcing new rules for transgender athletes. They say transgender girls are students born male who identify as female. These students can’t play on girls’ sports teams. They argue it’s unfair to athletes who were born female. States like Massachusetts and California disagree and are fighting these rules in court.
Some lawmakers in Washington even want to get rid of the U.S. Department of Education entirely. A bill by Senator Mike Rounds would cancel programs that help homeless students, foster kids, and schools in low-income areas. Supporters say the federal government is too involved in local schools, but critics worry vulnerable students will lose support.
Why is this happening? Supporters of these federal changes say schools should focus on basics like math and reading instead of “political” topics. They argue states should have more freedom to decide what’s taught.
Clash of the Titans
This isn’t just political arguing—it affects real families. For parents, more school choice means more options, but some worry it takes money away from public schools. Teachers in states like Florida might get a raise to $65,000 a year. However, federal cuts could mean fewer resources for classroom supplies or training. Students might benefit from phone bans. These bans can help them focus. However, losing DEI programs could make some feel left out. Others might feel misunderstood.
Why Should You Care?
- Your Tax Dollars: These fights decide where your money goes—to public schools, private school vouchers, or federal programs.
- What Kids Learn: Will history classes teach about systemic racism? Can transgender athletes play sports? States and Washington disagree, and the answers will shape your child’s education.
- Local vs. National Values: Should Texas decide what’s taught in Texas schools, or should Washington set one rule for everyone?
The Bottom Line
It’s like a tug-of-war: states want freedom to make their own rules, while Washington wants consistency across the country. In 2025, this battle is changing everything from classroom policies to college sports. Whether you’re a parent, student, or taxpayer, these changes will affect you—so stay informed.
