The Learning Landscape
THE LEARNING LANDSCAPE TRACKS THE ED-POLICY SHIFTS AND STRATEGIES TRANSFORMING EDUCATION THROUGH A MONTHLY ROUNDUP.
Tailored for a diverse coalition of stakeholders dedicated to co-creating the future of education, each edition highlights key policy discussions and innovative developments in high schools and higher education, showcasing the momentum and transformative movements shaping the field. By featuring insights from a wide range of perspectives, this series aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education sector.
If you’re a journalist or media outlet interested in covering our work, please reach out to our Managing Director of Communications and Engagement at kcetrulo@carnegiefoundation.org.
March 2025
Good Reads
What the data says about the U.S. Department of Education
Pew breaks down what the Education Department actually does—and how Americans view its impact—as debates rage over its existence. Pew Research Center
Student Well-Being, School Choice, Higher Ed Top Governorsʼ Priorities for 2025
Governors are outlining big education priorities for 2025, with a focus on funding, choice, and postsecondary pathways. The 74
High School Transformation
Scholar Douglas Harris Debuts New ‘Wikipediaʼ of K-12 Research
A new open-access database aims to make K-12 research more accessible and usable for policymakers and educators. The 74
The College Board Adds Two New AP Courses. Here’s What Makes Them Different
The College Board is launching career-focused AP courses in cybersecurity and business/personal finance to equip students with real-world skills and accelerate career development. EdWeek
The South Surges Academically in Alternative View of National Exam
A new analysis of NAEP data flips the usual narrative—showing the South making some of the nation’s biggest academic gains. The 74
Postsecondary Innovation
What types of colleges offer the best ROI?
A Georgetown study reveals that institutions like MIT and specialized healthcare schools top the list for return on investment, offering graduates substantial long-term financial benefits. Higher Ed Dive
Survey: Understanding Incoming College Student Demographics
A new national survey captures sharp shifts in who’s entering college and reveals deep divides in students’ sense of belonging, purpose, and preparedness. Inside Higher Ed
College Application Surge: Underrepresented Students Lead Growth in 2024–25 Admissions Cycle
Applications are surging, and students from historically excluded groups are fueling the rise in this year’s admissions cycle. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
A Bipartisan Blueprint For Enhancing Higher Education’s Value
With higher ed under pressure, a bipartisan coalition is pushing new ideas to measure value, cut costs, and prove public worth. Forbes
More state colleges are using direct admissions to boost enrollment
State colleges are turning to direct admissions to remove barriers and bring more local students through their doors. The Washington Post
State and Local News
What is Arkansas ACCESS?
Arkansas just passed a sweeping law that reshapes how the state funds colleges, awards scholarships, transfers credits, and handles admissions. Arkansas Advocate
Oklahoma leaders ask Trump administration to cut federal strings on education funds
Oklahoma officials support Trump’s plan to dismantle the Education Department and want more freedom over how federal education money is used. Oklahoma Voice
Gov. Cox returns ‘homeʼ to sign bill boosting support for Utahʼs rural schools
Utah is adding new supplemental funding for rural schools to help them hire staff, expand services, and close resource gaps. Yahoo! News
Gov. Whitmer Invests $1.9 Million in Programs that Support 287 Michiganders with Career Training Opportunities
Michigan is channeling $1.9 million into apprenticeship programs to help residents gain skills for high-demand, well-paying jobs. Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity
Florida education bill would remove requirement to pass Algebra I, English exams to earn high school diploma
A bill moving through the Florida legislature would drop select testing requirements for graduation, sparking debate about what students should need to earn a diploma. WPTV
Kentucky lawmakers’ education changes are now on Beshear’s desk
Kentucky lawmakers approved a broad set of education bills, including an act promoting school innovation, now waiting on the governor to decide what becomes law. Kentucky Lantern
February 2025
Good Reads
Tracking Trump: His actions on education
Learn how President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department, redefine school policies, and cut funding are unfolding. Hechinger Report
5 Key Takeaways From McMahon’s Hearing for Ed Secretary.
Linda McMahon, during her confirmation hearing for Education Secretary, affirmed President Trump’s intent to dismantle the Department of Education, aligning with his long-standing goal to reduce federal involvement in local education matters. Inside Higher Ed
High School Transformation
We’re not prepared’: States brace for Trump’s plans to dismantle the Education Department
States are scrambling to prepare as President Trump moves to dismantle the Education Department, raising concerns about the future of federal education oversight. NBC News
Expanding Access to K-12 High School Work-Based Learning
Explore how state leaders are enhancing work-based learning to better prepare students for postsecondary life, addressing the gap in students’ preparedness for future careers. NASBE
Exclusive: 12 Education Chiefs Ask McMahon for More Control over Federal Funds
Twelve state education chiefs are pressing Linda McMahon to loosen federal oversight and give states greater control over education funds, setting the stage for a potential power struggle over policy decisions. The 74
Standards Gap: Why Many Students Score Proficient on State Tests But Not on NAEP.
Some states report far higher proficiency rates on their own assessments compared to NAEP, raising concerns about inconsistent educational standards. The 74
Postsecondary Innovation
Amid Federal Upheaval, a Pell Shortfall Looms
The Pell Grant program is facing a projected $2.7 billion budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year—the first in over a decade—potentially jeopardizing financial aid for low-income college students. Inside Higher Ed
Ending the Research 1 ‘Arms Race’
The Carnegie Foundation’s overhaul of R-1 classification could upend university priorities, reshaping funding, reputation, and the race for research dominance. Inside Higher Ed
Another push for JOBS Act
A renewed push for the JOBS Act could expand Pell Grants to short-term job training, but critics warn it may steer federal funds toward programs with questionable value. Community College Daily
The Common App welcomes community colleges
For the first time, community colleges are joining the Common App—opening doors for more students to seamlessly apply and expand their educational opportunities. Inside Higher Ed
State and Local News
Universal school vouchers clear Senate with notable addition of pre-K funding
Wyoming’s Senate approved a universal school voucher program with pre-K funding, sparking legal challenges and debates over its impact on public schools. WyoFile
Louisiana’s NAEP Score — A Victory for the Science of Reading?
Louisiana’s fourth-grade reading scores have risen from 50th to 16th nationally, highlighting the state’s commitment to the Science of Reading and back-to-basics literacy reforms. EdSurge News
Colorado bill would make financial literacy class a graduation requirement
A new Colorado bill could make financial literacy a graduation requirement, reflecting a growing national debate over whether students are leaving high school with the real-world skills they need. Colorado Newsline
These 13 bills would change Indiana’s K-12 education system
Indiana lawmakers are considering 13 bills that could transform K-12 education, including universal school vouchers, property tax reforms affecting school funding, and changes to charter school financing. WFYI Indianapolis
Expanding Higher Education: Governor Hochul Announces 22 Community Colleges Awarded More Than $1 Million to Support Adult Learners
New York’s Governor has announced $1.1 million in grants to 22 community colleges, aiming to break down barriers for adult learners and enhance access to higher education. Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school funding
Texas House Bill 3 proposes education savings accounts tied to public school funding levels, potentially diverting funds from public education and impacting resources for public school students. The Texas Tribune
Georgia school voucher list makes more than 400,000 students eligible
Georgia’s expansive new voucher program makes over 400,000 students eligible for $6,500 scholarships, sparking debates about public education’s future. AP News
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs law that directs state funds to private school tuition
Idaho has launched its first private school choice program, channeling state funds into tuition assistance and reigniting tensions over public education funding. Idaho Capital Sun
January 2025
Good Reads
Rethinking Everything to Better Capture Rural Success
Carnegie President Tim Knowles discusses the postsecondary landscape and how the Carnegie Classifications can support the achievements of rural students. Open Campus Media
State of the State Addresses Kick Off
As governors begin their annual State of the State speeches, education policy takes center stage with proposals on funding, work-based learning, and school choice. Whiteboard Advisors
High School Transformation
NAEP scores show disheartening trends for the lowest-performing students
New NAEP data shows that academic gaps are widening, with the lowest-performing students falling further behind in reading and math post-pandemic. Chalkbeat
The Rachael Maves Podcast ft. Diego Arambula
Carnegie Vice President for Educational Transformation Diego Arambula explores the history and future of the Carnegie Unit and its role in shaping modern education. Parsec Education
A New Education Architecture: New Goals, Learning Experiences and Signals
This framework paper advocates for a shift from a time-based education system to a competency-based model, emphasizing new learner goals, engaging learning experiences, and modern signaling systems. Getting Smart
Seizing the Opportunity for State Education R&D: Findings and Recommendations for Action
National test scores reveal a historic drop in children’s reading proficiency, raising alarms about long-term educational outcomes. Alliance for Learning Innovation
What’s in a high school transcript? Measuring high school performance beyond GPA
National test scores reveal a historic drop in children’s reading proficiency, raising alarms about long-term educational outcomes. New York Times
Postsecondary Innovation
Undergraduate certificate programs soar in popularity amid changes to labor market
Short-term certificate programs see a surge in enrollment as students seek faster, cost-effective pathways into high-demand careers. The Hill
New Carnegie Classifications Released; 41 Universities Gain R1 Status
The latest Carnegie Classifications have been released, with 41 universities newly achieving R1 status, indicating very high research activity. Forbes
Erroneous data showed first-year decline; it actually rose
Revised analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse indicates that first-year college enrollment rose last fall, overturning previous reports of a decrease due to data errors. Inside Higher Ed
Higher Ed Alarmed by Trump’s Plan to Freeze Federal Grants
Colleges push back against a federal grant freeze, citing risks to student support programs including college prep, student retention, and graduation initiatives. Inside Higher Ed
College tuition has fallen significantly at many schools
New research finds that many colleges have lowered tuition costs as many Americans grow more skeptical of the value of a college degree. AP News
State and Local News
A-F grades set to return for Indiana schools as lawmakers consider new accountability system
Indiana revives its A-F school grading system, sparking debate over how best to measure school performance and hold districts accountable. Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana graduation requirements spur jump in high school career training
Career training programs boom in Indiana high schools following new graduation requirements aimed at improving workforce readiness. WFYI Indianapolis
How Colorado Gov. Polis’ NGA Agenda Could Reshape America’s Workforce
Governor Polis’ workforce development agenda at the National Governors Association could influence national education-to-career pipelines. Work Shift
Universal school voucher plan passes in Tennessee legislature
Tennessee lawmakers approve a universal school voucher program, expanding public funding for private education statewide. Chalkbeat Tennessee
Texas senators fast-track school voucher bill for full vote
Texas lawmakers move quickly on a controversial school voucher bill, setting the stage for a high-stakes legislative vote. The Texas Tribune
New York governor pursues free community college program for adult students
A new proposal could make community college tuition-free for adult learners in New York, aiming to boost workforce skills and economic mobility. Hechinger Report
December 2024
Good Reads
Education stories we’re watching in 2025
From choice and efforts to combat learning loss to a push for career-connected learning, there are many key education stories to watch for this year. Chalkbeat
Pandemic, Politics, Pre-K & More: 12 Charts That Defined Education in 2024
Major education trends of 2024—including the lingering effects of pandemic learning loss, the effects of ESSER funds, and declining college enrollment—reflect ongoing challenges and opportunities in K-12 and higher education. The 74
High School Transformation
6 observations from a devastating international math test
U.S. students’ math scores hit historic lows on a global test, leaving researchers uncertain if the decline is tied to pandemic disruptions or long-standing issues in math education. The Hechinger Report
High school exit exams dwindle to about half a dozen states
High school exit exams have dwindled as states consider alternative methods to assess high school competency and adopt diverse pathways for graduation. Stateline
Which States Require the Most—and Least—Instructional Time? Find Out
Discover differences in state-mandated school days and instructional hours across the nation. Education Week
Postsecondary Innovation
State Funding’s Influence on College Completion
State funding plays a crucial role in shaping college affordability and student success, impacting degree attainment and institutional support. Bipartisan Policy Center
Howard Expects to Gain R-1 Status. Other HBCUs Will Follow.
Changes to Carnegie classifications elevate institutions like Howard University, helping more HBCUs move toward R-1 research status. Stateline
State Funding for Short-Term Credentials Ramps Up
State investment in workforce-oriented credential programs now exceeds $5.6 billion across 31 states, reflective of a push to create short-term pathways to upskill in the current labor market. Education Week
State and Local News
Youngkin proposes $50 million for private-school vouchers in Virginia
Virginia’s private school scholarship proposal sparks renewed discussions about school choice and public education funding. The Washington Post
Rhode Island awarded $4.5M in federal funds to bridge the digital divide
A $4.5 million federal grant will help Rhode Island expand digital access and internet literacy for underserved communities. Rhode Island Current
From school funding to grad requirements: What NY education officials want in the next state budget
New York education officials proposed updates to school funding and high school graduation requirements, emphasizing increased state aid, modernized data usage, and investments in equity and arts education. Chalkbeat
Maryland Launches $13.1M ENOUGH Initiative to Tackle Child Poverty
Maryland’s $13.1 million initiative targets child poverty with focused investments in education, housing, and workforce development. The Southern Maryland Chronicle
Indiana education officials green-light high school diploma overhaul
Indiana approves updates to high school diploma requirements to emphasize career readiness and practical skills. Indiana Capital Chronicle