Washington Update, September 22, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
I hope your fall semesters are starting off strong! It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to see so many of you at various virtual TED events over the summer, I cannot thank you enough for your ongoing engagement.
Federal education policy is moving quickly this fall, with debates over IDEA funding, appropriations, and program priorities unfolding in real time. The engagement of TED members has already made a tangible impact—your advocacy helped protect IDEA Part D programs and demonstrated the power of a unified voice for special education.
This Update highlights what has been preserved, what remains at risk, and how these changes could affect higher education faculty as we continue preparing the next generation of special educators. As always, your expertise and persistence matter, and our collective efforts will shape the future of the field.
1. IDEA Part D Grant Update
The Department of Education confirmed that most IDEA Part D competitive grants will continue into FY 2026. Out of 464 active grants, about 25 projects ($14.8 million)—primarily in teacher training—will end on October 1. Continuation awards now require grantees to certify alignment with the administration’s values of “merit, fairness, and excellence.”
This outcome provides relief compared to initial concerns but introduces new administrative steps and leaves uncertainty for some projects.
TED members played a key role in advocacy efforts to protect these programs, helping to raise awareness of risks to personnel preparation, technical assistance, and research. TED continues to emphasize the importance of the grants that were cut and remains committed to supporting the full range of programs that strengthen the special education workforce and services.
Key Implications for Higher Education Faculty
• Personnel Preparation: Cancellation of some teacher training grants will reduce opportunities for preparing new special educators.
• Grant Administration: Continuation awards involve additional certification steps, affecting reporting and compliance.
• Program Design: Faculty leading projects may need to adapt language or frameworks to meet new requirements.
• Advocacy: Continued engagement is essential to preserve IDEA-D’s integrity and ensure ongoing investment in the special education workforce.
2. FY 2026 House Appropriations Bill Advances
The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2026 Labor-HHS-Education bill on a 35–28 party-line vote. The measure provides $66.7 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, a $12 billion reduction compared to current funding levels.
Key Program Details
• IDEA: The House bill proposes to block grant all IDEA funding (Parts B, C, and D) to states, giving states broad discretion over allocations. The Senate bill maintains the current structure and preserves discrete funding lines, including IDEA Part D, which would be eliminated as a stand-alone program.
• Pell Grants: Maximum award maintained at $7,395.
• TRIO and GEAR UP: Continued in both chambers.
• Title I Grants: House bill reduces funding by approximately 27 percent; Senate bill maintains current levels.
• Other Education Programs: The House bill eliminates or reduces SEOG, Federal Work-Study, Full-Service Community Schools, English Language Acquisition, Promise Neighborhoods, and ED’s Office for Civil Rights. The Senate maintains funding.
Committee Action and Amendments
Amendments to restore funding for Title I, SEOG, Work-Study, and other programs were defeated. Adopted amendments included protections for timely MSI and GEAR UP disbursement and parental opt-out provisions for active shooter drills.
Key Implications for Higher Education Faculty
• Special Education Programs: The House block grant proposal could change how states prioritize personnel prep, TA centers, and research. The Senate version preserves existing competitive structures.
• Student Aid: Proposed elimination of SEOG and cuts to Work-Study reduce supports for financially needy students.
• K–12 Partnerships: Large reductions to Title I and community-based programs may affect collaborations and placements.
• Planning Uncertainty: With appropriations unresolved, faculty should anticipate delays in competitions and project launches.
3. Government Funding Showdown
As the September 30 deadline approaches, Congress has yet to agree on a short-term spending measure. On Friday, the Senate rejected both Democratic and Republican continuing resolution (CR) proposals, leaving no clear path to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year.
• The House-passed CR, which extends funding into November, was rejected in the Senate.
• A Democratic counterproposal extending funding through October 31 also failed.
• The Senate is not expected to vote again until just before the deadline, and the House has canceled its final September session days, making quick action difficult.
If no agreement is reached, a government shutdown will begin at midnight on September 30. A lapse in funding would delay grant competitions, slow payments, and disrupt agency operations across education and other sectors.
Key Implications for Higher Education Faculty
• Grant Competitions: Shutdowns typically halt the release of RFPs and delay review timelines.
• Funding Disbursements: Existing grants may see slowed reimbursements or reporting processes.
• Program Planning: Faculty should prepare for potential pauses in federal program activity starting October 1.
4. Reallocation of Federal Grant Funding
The Department of Education announced a significant reallocation of discretionary funding for FY 2025, including:
• $500 million in charter school grants (a $60 million increase).
• $160 million for American History and Civics Education (up from $23 million in FY 2024).
• A one-time $495 million increase for HBCUs and Tribal Colleges and Universities, a 48% rise in federal support.
To support these increases, the Department is reducing or eliminating funding for MSIs ($350 million), International and Foreign Language Education ($85 million), Teacher Quality Partnership ($59 million), SEED ($90 million), Teacher and School Leader Incentive ($48 million), and several smaller programs.
Key Implications for Higher Education Faculty
• Teacher Prep & Support: Cuts to SEED and TQP may limit opportunities for faculty-led initiatives.
• International Programs: Reduced funding for global partnerships and language education.
• MSI Uncertainty: Institutions with high enrollments of underrepresented students may face resource gaps.
• HBCU/TCU Opportunities: New investments may support facilities, labs, and student services.
5. Proposed Priorities in American History and Civics Education
The Department of Education released a regulatory proposal establishing new grant priorities for American History and Civics Education. The draft rule emphasizes “citizen competency and informed patriotism,” highlighting founding documents, national symbols, and traditions, while also referencing the role of Western civilization and Judeo-Christian values in the American political tradition.
The Department intends to allocate $160 million for civics and history programming this fiscal year. The 1776 Commission has been reinstated to provide guidance in connection with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A public comment period will inform the final rule.
While the federal landscape is shifting—sometimes in ways that raise new questions—our collective advocacy has already made a difference. The continuation of most IDEA Part D projects is evidence of what persistence and partnership can achieve. As we look ahead, let’s keep amplifying the importance of programs that prepare educators, support students, and advance our mission. Together, we remain committed to strengthening the special education workforce and ensuring that every learner has access to opportunity.
Until next time, see you on X,
Kait
@brennan_kait
Posted:
22 September, 2025
Category:
