AGP Executive Report

School Safety & Threats: The Philippine National Police warned of a rise in supposed school threats nationwide, noting some may be attempts to avoid classes or exams after false shooting reports circulated online. AI in Testing: Smartschool’s approach highlights why AI tutoring for SAT/ACT is harder than chatbots—educators need tools that are safe, accountable, and consistent for high-stakes performance. Civic Knowledge Gap: A Cato Institute poll finds Americans feel proud of the country but many lack basic civics knowledge, including what the 250th anniversary marks and what the Constitution is for. Religious Freedom & Education: Pope Leo XIV’s letter for America’s 250th emphasizes religious freedom and the Church’s role in education and services, tying civic ideals to care for immigrants and the vulnerable. Sports & Student Rights: The U.S. Department of Education sued schools over alleged Title IX violations involving boys in girls’ sports, while the Sixth Circuit reinforced First Amendment limits on school board public comment. Higher Ed Funding: Federal student loan changes are set to eliminate the Graduate PLUS program, pushing graduate students to rethink financing plans. Immigration Policy: The Supreme Court upheld termination of Temporary Protected Status for Syria and Haiti and also upheld birthright citizenship, with major impacts for affected families and employers. K-12 Funding: Michigan’s bipartisan FY27 budget includes record school aid and free meals and pre-K funding, signaling continued investment in student supports.

School Safety Alerts: The Philippine National Police warned of a rise in alleged threats against schools nationwide, urging the public to verify reports after false shooting scares circulated online. Civics & Student Engagement: Kansas middle schoolers advanced to the first National Civics Bee, a push aimed at fixing low civics literacy and boosting youth civic participation. Higher Ed & Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, striking down Trump’s executive order—an immigration-law ruling with major implications for families and schools. Student Achievement: The Philippines won medals at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, showing growing student talent in STEM competitions. Family Court Documentation: ParentGrid launched a survivor-built platform tied to California’s coercive control statute, aiming to help families document patterns in high-conflict custody cases. Campus Culture: Princeton celebrated its largest-ever undergraduate class at commencement, highlighting student growth amid political and technological change. STEM Research Exchange: A Washington State University researcher used a Fulbright trip to Egypt to explore livestock efficiency and food security solutions.

School Funding Fight (Kansas): A Kansas voter “no” push argues a proposed Supreme Court judicial selection amendment could weaken the state’s constitutional requirement to fund public schools. Early Childhood Education (Virginia): Rep. Eugene Vindman announced $3.5M for Culpeper Head Start to support early learning, nutrition, and family services. District Budget Pressure (California): Pacifica schools approved a $44M budget plus a three-year fiscal stability plan to cut $2.4M and address a structural deficit. Undocumented Students in College (Florida): Pro-immigration groups blasted a new rule barring undocumented students from state colleges as “cruel” and possibly illegal. Sports & Title IX (U.S. Supreme Court): Multiple reports focus on the court’s Title IX ruling allowing biological-sex-based limits on women’s sports, with reactions from lawmakers and education stakeholders. Higher Ed Leadership (Pace Law): Pace University named new associate deans for faculty development and its Environmental Law Program. International Education (NAFSA): UNR’s chief international officer urged partnership-driven models that weave entrepreneurship across disciplines for international students. Health & Learning Support (Physician Assistant Training, Ontario): NOSM University and U of T received $123K to expand physician assistant training in Northern Ontario.

Title IX & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to protect women’s sports by using biological sex rules, a decision that reshapes eligibility fights in West Virginia and Idaho and raises new stakes for school athletics. Immigration & College Access: The DOJ sued Massachusetts to block its in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing it violates constitutional limits—while Florida moved to require proof of citizenship or legal residence for public college admissions and even state-funded adult education programs. Student Aid & Policy: A federal judge blocked parts of the Trump administration’s student loan forgiveness overhaul, citing free speech issues, as July 1 changes to student loan rules approach. Birthright Citizenship: Iowa groups and advocates are reacting to the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, with supporters calling it a win for the 14th Amendment and critics warning of political fallout. School Meals: Hawaii’s Department of Education reported nearly 145,000 free summer meals served to students statewide, keeping nutrition steady during the break. Local School Governance: Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille High School relocation plan is facing a formal grievance alleging violations of open meeting and special education rules. Higher Ed Innovation: The University of Dallas became the first U.S. school to award college credit via the Classical Baccalaureate, aiming to offer an alternative to AP and dual enrollment. Workforce & Agriculture: Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act to reform the H-2A guest worker program, targeting farm labor shortages and costs.

Student Loan Fight: Federal judges blocked parts of the Trump administration’s student loan forgiveness overhaul, including rules that could deny PSLF for borrowers accused of “substantial illegal purpose,” with courts citing free-speech concerns. Local School Governance: A federal judge temporarily halted Memphis-Shelby County’s new school takeover board powers, ordering the district to maintain the status quo while lawsuits play out. Transgender Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s school sports, keeping Idaho and West Virginia restrictions in place. Early Learning & Philanthropy: Houston’s The Learning Experience preschool raised $7,808 for Make-A-Wish through its “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign. Education Policy Staffing: Oklahoma’s education secretary is set to leave for a top role at UT Austin, signaling continued churn in state education leadership. School Safety/Access: Georgia’s new laws taking effect July 1 include changes affecting schooling and related costs for families. Sports & Inclusion Events: The Hartford Nationals in Grand Rapids will bring 424 athletes with disabilities to compete July 10–16, highlighting adaptive sports pathways.

U.S. Supreme Court & Schools: In a major Title IX ruling, the Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing on school sports teams, clearing the way for more states to enforce similar policies and setting up fresh fights in places like Washington. Higher Ed & Student Aid: A federal judge blocked parts of the Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness limits, while new federal graduate loan rules are set to hit nursing and education programs—raising affordability concerns. K-12 Funding Pressure: Schools are still bracing for layoffs as lawsuits continue over federal grant cuts that disrupted community school and mental health supports. University Leadership Watch: At the University of Virginia, coverage compares new president Scott Beardsley’s first six months with former president Jim Ryan’s early tenure, amid lingering trust questions from university groups. Health Access: UVA Health Children’s opened new pediatric clinics in Central Virginia to expand pediatric and specialty care closer to families. Campus & Degrees: Massachusetts colleges won approval for three-year bachelor’s programs as enrollment declines and student debt concerns push schools to rethink timelines. Sports Venue Spotlight: The NBA Cup final is headed to Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, a reminder of how major events keep pulling attention toward historic college facilities.

U.S. Supreme Court & K-12 Sports: In a 6-3 ruling, the Court upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws barring transgender girls and women from competing on girls’ and women’s teams, saying states can use “biological sex” categories and that the bans don’t violate Title IX. Legal Fallout: New Hampshire’s separate lawsuit challenging its trans-athlete ban will continue, with attorneys arguing the cases rely on different legal claims. Birthright Citizenship: The Court also rejected Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, upholding the 14th Amendment principle tied to Wong Kim Ark. Education Accountability: Rhode Island’s K-12 spending remains among the highest in the nation, but outcomes are middling, with a new report calling for more oversight of how districts spend. College & Career Prep: LinkedIn data suggests some majors may be more “pivot-friendly” in a shaky hiring market, while another report highlights how AI is changing resume screening. Local Education Politics: A Birmingham educator filed for a GOP primary challenge to Rep. Terri Sewell, pitching education reform as a campaign focus. Campus Support: Arizona State University is highlighted as a top public option for veterans, with large military-affiliated enrollment and veteran-led culture.

Higher-Education Accountability: The U.S. Department of Education finalized a rule tying federal student aid to graduates’ earnings, with programs that miss earnings thresholds losing access to Direct Loans and, after repeated failures, Title IV including Pell eligibility. Federal Court vs. Tuition Policy: The DOJ sued Massachusetts over its in-state tuition and aid for certain non-citizen students, arguing the policy conflicts with federal law; similar suits are pending in other states. School Meals Boost: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced 396 million free school meals served statewide under the Universal School Meals Program. Book Bans Under Scrutiny: A new report alleges U.S. book censorship has become coordinated and institutionalized, driven by political groups and state and federal policy shifts, with thousands of titles challenged. Early Childhood Funding Pressure: Walla Walla’s Head Start program faces possible closure or staffing cuts if federal funds don’t arrive by July 1. State Testing Update: Florida educators highlighted gains on the FAST progress-monitoring system, with more than 60% meeting or exceeding benchmarks in ELA and math. Local School Operations: Jefferson Twp. Local Schools hired new administrators and brought in an outside caterer to fix long-running school meal compliance issues.

Higher Ed Spotlight: Alverno College in Milwaukee earned No. 5 in Newsweek’s inaugural “America’s Best Colleges for Women” ranking, praised for leadership, safety, and outcomes. Student Recognition: Metcalfe County Middle School student Lucy Blythe was named a 2026 “America’s Field Trip” awardee, winning a trip and cash for reflecting on what America means. School Governance: Idaho Education News takes a closer look at the Idaho School Boards Association—its legal help, policy work, and board training for districts and charters. Health & Equity: Pennsylvania’s Medicaid rollback on obesity drugs is framed as a looming crisis for patients who lose access to treatment. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s default gun-carry ban on private property open to the public, reaffirming Second Amendment limits. Federal Policy Watch: Supreme Court term updates include rulings affecting Trump’s power over the Fed and independent agencies, plus major cases still pending. Mental Health Access: A new report warns the U.S. is running out of therapists, pushing more mental health support onto primary care. Campus Scheduling: Harrisburg University announced a shift to a 7-week graduate course model starting in 2027.

Higher Ed Under Pressure: A new look at America’s university crisis points to falling enrollment, rising tuition and debt, and ideological fights that are squeezing many non-elite colleges financially. International Students at Risk: With international enrollment down, U.S. universities are facing program cuts and higher costs, and one University of North Texas president says visa and deportation moves helped push the school $45 million into the red. Student Aid Changes: New federal student loan caps are set to reshape grad school affordability, with some prospective students already pulling back as borrowing limits tighten. Title IX and School Oversight: The Education Department opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools, adding to a busy week of federal scrutiny of K-12 policies. Religious Instruction Policy: A new Tennessee law lets K-12 teachers and professors teach Christianity’s role in the U.S. founding, raising fresh debate over curriculum and church-state boundaries. Health Access for Young Adults: An Ohio State Wexner Medical Center–commissioned survey finds many 18–29-year-olds lack a primary care doctor and skip checkups, risking missed screenings and delayed care. Campus Life and Learning: Lyon College’s dental school is opening a public patient clinic, aiming to generate cash flow while training new dentists.

Civic Education & America 250: As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday this week, coverage spotlights how the country’s founding ideals and civic education still shape today’s debates about freedom and democracy. Workforce & Local Talent Pipelines: A Hamamatsu, Japan job expo shows how schools and employers are teaming up to keep young people from leaving for university or work—an approach many U.S. regions are watching as local workforce needs grow. Politics & Schools: A column argues federal special education changes are misguided, warning that shifting oversight could weaken protections for students with disabilities. Student Health & Housing: A report on lead poisoning ties high lead levels in children to poorly maintained rentals and weak local enforcement—highlighting how housing policy becomes an education issue. Higher Ed Snapshot: New county-by-county enrollment disclosures show persistent racial gaps in college enrollment and completion rates. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act (SAFE Act) moves forward, with supporters pushing for new rules on athlete compensation and governance. Community Support: The Emeril Lagasse Foundation backs youth development and nutrition education, including local New Orleans recipients.

Higher Ed & Integrity: Brown University professor Roberto Serrano says AI-fueled cheating hit an advanced math economics course, alleging at least 50 students cheated on a midterm and criticizing a slow institutional response. College & Career Pathways: Cedar Crest College broke ground on the Elaine & John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, aiming to build tech and workforce skills through industry partnerships. Local School Policy: A school board is pushing back on “released time” rules that let off-site religious instruction happen during school hours, after LifeWise Academy plans Bible-based character education at an elementary school. Election & Education Governance: Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination went to Rep. Julia Letlow, while Jeff Davis Parish voters approved a 10-year, one-cent sales tax to boost school funding. STEM/AI Education: University of Idaho plans new AI degree programs in 2026, expanding its physician pipeline and tech offerings. Climate & Learning Disruption: Europe’s heat wave is forcing travel disruptions and school closures, while U.S. wildfires in Utah threaten homes and communities.

Higher Ed AI Cheating Crackdown: A new report describes escalating AI cheating wars on U.S. campuses, with extreme surveillance and rising false accusations as professors scramble to redefine what “cheating” means. University Governance Turmoil: University of Virginia leaders and faculty reflect on a turbulent year since Jim Ryan’s resignation, pointing to federal pressure, leadership turnover, and the push for shared governance. State Curriculum Fight: Texas’ Republican-led State Board of Education approved standards that embed biblical teachings across public school subjects, setting up major changes for millions of students. Student Readiness Concerns: A new Economist piece highlights declining math preparedness among U.S. college freshmen, with instructors warning that gaps are forcing re-teaching. Local College Readiness Data: Texas districts report large shares of students not on college track, including Ingram ISD (76% not on track) and Slocum ISD (majority not on track). Teacher/Student Support: Summer programs and free meals efforts continue, including free summer meals and creative learning for middle schoolers. Campus Policy Pressure: Federal actions and court rulings on immigration protections (including TPS) are creating uncertainty for students and families.

Title IX Clash: The U.S. Department of Education gave Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado 10 days to fix alleged Title IX violations tied to its transgender student policies or risk losing federal funding, with district leaders preparing for court. Federal Scrutiny in Maryland: The Education Department is investigating transgender student access to restrooms and sports in Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties. Discipline Equity Reversal: The Education Department withdrew from a South Dakota agreement aimed at reducing discipline disparities for Native students, saying it was wrongly rooted in DEI efforts. Texas Bible Reading: Texas approved a required Bible-passage reading list for millions of public school students, expanding conservative Christian curriculum pushes. Local School Updates: Greene County, Tenn. schools highlighted TCAP academic gains and laid out 2026-27 start dates, staffing, and remaining vacancies. School Funding Fight: Project Success in Vermilion County faces an end to after-school and family support funding, with a lawsuit challenging the Education Department’s cuts.

Education & Credentials: A South Florida nursing school owner pleaded guilty in a scheme selling fraudulent nursing diplomas and transcripts, undermining state licensing and putting patients at risk. Campus Safety: South Carolina State University held a law enforcement summit to tighten coordination with local agencies and EMS ahead of the fall semester. Student Support & Equity: Texas districts reported large shares of “at-risk” students, including Karnack ISD (76 students; up 22.6%), Gary ISD (187; up 2.2%), and Union Hill ISD (139; up 11.2%), highlighting ongoing academic and socioeconomic challenges. Policy & Voting Access: Michigan’s SAVE Act proposal could add paperwork hurdles for millions of eligible voters, especially those who changed names after marriage. Immigration & Schools: The Supreme Court’s latest immigration rulings are expected to reshape asylum access and deportation outcomes, with major knock-on effects for families and students. Higher Ed Leadership: UW-Whitewater hired Brenda Jones as vice chancellor for administrative affairs, keeping Janesville’s city manager in place.

Federal Education Shake-Up: The U.S. Department of Education says it’s reorganizing functions across agencies to improve services for students with disabilities and civil rights—while critics warn it’s an end run around Congress. Court & Immigration: The Supreme Court’s TPS decision leaves about 350,000 Haitians and Syrians facing deportation risk, with South Florida leaders and Haitian communities bracing for fallout. School Policy Fight: Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado voted to pursue legal action against the U.S. Department of Education over an Office of Civil Rights probe tied to transgender students and Title IX, with funding at stake. Religious Curriculum Push: Texas education leaders are set to vote on a required reading list that includes Bible passages, expanding conservative efforts to bring Christian texts into public classrooms. Higher Ed & Jobs: Johns Hopkins University laid off 110 workers after federal funding losses, continuing a broader squeeze on research institutions. Student Learning Tech: A pilot in a New York district is bringing humanoid robots and an AI teaching assistant into classrooms to boost engagement and tutoring support. Health Costs: A Wisconsin political op-ed argues health care costs are rising sharply on ACA exchanges, blaming weak competition and calling for market fixes.