Erica Meltzer

Erica Meltzer

National Editor

Erica Meltzer is National Editor at Chalkbeat, where she covers education policy and politics. Erica was a founding editor of the local news site Denverite. Before that, she covered everything from housing and energy policy to crime and courts for newspapers in three states. She served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. Reach her at: emeltzer@chalkbeat.org.

Rufo popularized the idea that CRT had infiltrated American schools. Now his social media posts appear to be driving cuts at the Education Department.

Practices such as essays that allow students to discuss their ethnic background and admissions policies that de-emphasize test scores could represent illegal discrimination, an Education Department letter said.

Democratic senators wanted details about Trump’s intentions toward K-12 schools. McMahon deflected many questions — including whether schools might risk their federal funding by teaching standalone African American history courses.

Only Congress can officially shut down the agency. Yet cuts to research, low staff morale, and Linda McMahon could all play a role in the president’s push to reduce its footprint.

The president has taken several actions related to DEI, teaching, immigration, and more. We want to hear from educators and parents about their impact.

To amplify his power over schools, Trump has turned to executive orders. They’ve pleased some and infuriated others. Will they accomplish his goals?

The executive order directs the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize private school choice programs in its own grants and issue guidance on how states can tap other federal money for vouchers.

A federal memo freezing grants sparked widespread confusion and fear among schools and nonprofits.

The state bet big on tutoring and summer learning programs after the pandemic.

The 2024 NAEP results will add fuel to ongoing debates about pandemic-era school closures, COVID relief, screen time, the science of reading, and more.