Elections

Learn more about how federal, state, and local elections affect schools

Explainer

Education Debates You'll Likely Hear About in the Election, Explained
Brush up on key education policy issues that could show up in national, state, and local races.
Viewers gather to watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio.
Viewers gather to watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. Researchers say students are more reluctant to talk politics this election cycle.
Eric Gay/AP
Student Well-Being Students Don't Want to Talk About Politics, Either
The election is occurring at a time when many schools are discouraged from having tough conversations in class.
Brooke Schultz, October 28, 2024
6 min read
Jacob Lewis, 3, waits at a privacy booth as his grandfather, Robert Schroyer, fills out his ballot while voting at Sabillasville Elementary School, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sabillasville, Md.
Jacob Lewis, 3, waits at a privacy booth as his grandfather, Robert Schroyer, fills out his ballot while voting at Sabillasville Elementary School, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sabillasville, Md.
Julio Cortez/AP
Federal From Our Research Center How Educators Say They'll Vote in the 2024 Election
Educators' feelings on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump vary by age and the communities where they work.
Libby Stanford, October 21, 2024
4 min read
The elephant in the classroom.
iStock/Getty Images
Teaching Opinion Struggling to Discuss the Election in Class? These 5 Steps Can Help
For many teachers, political anxiety is the elephant in the classroom. The science of emotional intelligence can offer clarity.
Marc A. Brackett & Robin S. Stern, October 18, 2024
5 min read
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate in an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Alex Brandon/AP
Federal Why Trump and Harris Have Barely Talked About Schools This Election
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump haven't outlined many plans for K-12 schools, reflecting what's been the norm in recent contests for the White House.
Libby Stanford, October 17, 2024
6 min read
The U.S. Department of Education, in Washington, D.C., pictured on February 21, 2021.
The U.S. Department of Education, in Washington, D.C., pictured on February 21, 2021.
Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA via AP Images
Federal Explainer The U.S. Department of Education, Explained
There's a lot of talk—again—about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Here's what it does and how it works.
Libby Stanford, October 14, 2024
12 min read
Illustration of a montage of election and politics imagery with a school building and money symbol included.
iStock/Getty
School Choice & Charters Charter Schools Are in Uncharted Political Waters This Election Season
From big constitutional questions to more practical, local concerns, the charter school sector faces a number of challenges.
Arianna Prothero, October 11, 2024
6 min read
A bin of "I Voted Today" stickers rests on a table at a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Stratham, N.H.
A bin of "I Voted Today" stickers rests on a table at a polling place, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Stratham, N.H.
Charles Krupa/AP
Social Studies Download How to Hold a Mock Election in Your Classroom: A Downloadable Guide
Tips for an engaging, age-appropriate mock election that develops students' voting habits.
Evie Blad, October 11, 2024
1 min read
Students at Northside Intermediate prepare for a mock election on Nov. 8, 2016 in Opelika, Ala.
Students at Northside Intermediate School in Opelika, Alaska, prepare for a mock election on Nov. 8, 2016.
Todd Van Emst/Opelika-Auburn News via AP
Social Studies Mock Elections in Schools Evolve to Build Trust in Democracy
Schools use mock elections to help build voting habits early and help students understand the electoral process.
Evie Blad, October 9, 2024
9 min read
People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas.
People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP
Federal Opinion Education Is an Afterthought in This Election. That’s a Problem for All of Us
What does it say about our country if presidential candidates walk away from education policy? asks Bettina L. Love.
Bettina L. Love, October 4, 2024
5 min read
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz participate in a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz participate in a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York.
Matt Rourke/AP
Federal What JD Vance and Tim Walz Said About School Safety in VP Debate
Education came up in the vice presidential debate, unlike the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Libby Stanford, October 1, 2024
3 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Federal Opinion Project 2025's Education Lead on the Controversial Policy Agenda
Here’s what the lead author of the education section in the Heritage Foundation’s proposal has to say.
Rick Hess, October 1, 2024
9 min read
Photo of teen girl waiting outside office.
iStock
School Climate & Safety How Did School Discipline Get Dragged Into the Presidential Election?
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have different track records on racial disparities in school discipline.
Libby Stanford, September 30, 2024
9 min read
Pink Piggy Bank with a vote sticker on the back and a blurred Capitol building in the distance.
iStock/Getty
Education Funding Billions of Dollars for School Buildings Are on the Ballot This November
Several large districts and the state of California hope to capitalize on interest in the presidential election to pass big bonds.
Mark Lieberman, September 26, 2024
6 min read
This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris speak during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024. The presidential contest isn't the only one on ballots this fall with major implications for K-12 schools.
Alex Brandon/AP
Policy & Politics Interactive Education Week's Guide to the 2024 Election
The presidential race isn't the only one on ballots this November that could have major implications for K-12 schools.
Libby Stanford, September 26, 2024
4 min read