High School Counselor Week
Weekly stories, facts, trends, and other information from around the country
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February 5, 2026
Trump signs $79B education funding bill into law
K-12 Dive – March 3, 2026
The U.S. Department of Education is now — finally — funded for fiscal year 2026, as President Donald Trump Tuesday night swiftly signed into law the compromise measure that had won final approval from the House, 217-214, earlier that afternoon. Additionally, the bill requires on-time formula grant funding available to states and districts at levels dictated by Congress in the funding bill. And it adds a new requirement to maintain the Education Department staff at levels necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
Immigration enforcement gets closer and closer to schools. The effects are wide-reaching.
Chalkbeat – February 3, 2026
Legal experts say the Fourth Amendment hasn’t changed: It still limits agents from charging inside a school without the right paperwork. But the overall approach by agents has been unpredictable, creating highly charged circumstances around schools. A tracker launched by K-12 Dive, an education industry news site, identifies at least nine instances in which immigration agents came onto the grounds of a K-12 school or preschool. The effect on students, particularly in Minnesota, has been sweeping: more absences from school, an increase in remote learning, and grief from seeing classmates vanish.
The K-12 outlook for 2026: How new federal priorities and funding challenges will stretch schools
K-12 Dive – January 30, 2026
To help you plan for the year ahead, K-12 Dive has gathered our 2026 outlook coverage below as a one-stop resource on the leading trends impacting schools.
“What matters most isn’t where you go for the summer — it’s what you do with your time.”Post – January 28, 2026
College Advice & Timely Tips with Lee Bierer
Houston Schools Turn to AI for Mental Health Monitoring, Raising Privacy Concerns
Houston.com – January 31, 2026
The use of artificial intelligence screening tools is growing across the country, but Houston’s rollout has drawn national attention. Several school campuses in Houston are testing new AI tools designed to flag students who may be facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. While school officials emphasize the benefits of faster mental health identification, privacy advocates and child development experts are urging caution. They worry that sensitive data collected through AI monitoring systems could be misinterpreted, mishandled, or even misused.
Your teen turned to AI instead of you. What experts say parents can do
American Psychological Association – February 2, 2026
Psychologists emphasize an important message: Parents and caregivers play an irreplaceable role in supporting their adolescent’s growth. Teens may turn to AI assistants because it feels safe, private, and nonjudgmental, yet human connection and parental guidance remain essential. If you’re wondering how to help your child navigate this emerging technology, here are some science-backed tips from the experts.
How Much Do I Help My Teen With Their College Applications?
U.S. News & World Report – January 29, 2026
Adolescent psychologist Lisa Damour on when to take a step back to evaluate your child’s college readiness.
Study Finds This Is How Teen Boys Are Being Lured Into Gambling
Today – January 29, 2026
A new study reveals that more than a third of teenage boys between the ages of 11 and 17 have admitted to gambling in the past year. Additionally, 60 percent of 11 to 17 year olds are seeing ads for gambling on YouTube and social media, information pushed to them in their feeds. “[T]he results of this new research are absolutely astounding, and a wake-up call for every parent everywhere.”
Hispanic-serving colleges scramble to fill gaps left by federal grant cuts
The Hechinger Report – March 3, 2026
In making the sweeping cuts last fall, the Trump administration argued that Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs were racially discriminatory because, to be eligible for the funding, institutions had to enroll a certain percentage of students from a certain race or ethnicity. Experts emphasize, however, that these colleges serve many low-income and first-generation students, regardless of ethnicity, including large numbers of Black, Asian and low-income white students.
Five Things The New Data About Race-Conscious College Admissions Tell Us
Forbes – February 4, 2026
A new national study has found that after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban of race-conscious admissions, Black and Hispanic freshmen enrollment has dropped at America’s most selective colleges, but it’s increased at most other types of institutions, including large, prominent public universities. The decrease of underrepresented minority freshmen was 18.9% at the so called “Ivy Plus” universities. In contrast, the number of underrepresented students of color increased at almost every other type of college and university. Overall, Black and Hispanic freshman enrollment grew 9.2% and 9.8%, respectively, while enrollment of white students barely budged,
Education Department moves to overhaul accreditation regulations
Higher Ed Dive – January 27, 2026
The U.S. Department of Education intends to develop new regulations this spring to make it easier for new accreditors to gain recognition and curb diversity, equity and inclusion standards. Accreditors serve as gatekeepers for billions in federal student aid. Without their seal of approval, higher education institutions cannot participate in Title IV programs, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans. While the proposed updated process makes it easier for colleges to switch accreditors, some higher education experts voiced concerns that it would lead to colleges switching to agencies with less rigorous standards.
University Loans: Private Student Loans Offered By Colleges
The College Investor – February 1, 2026
What exactly is a university loan and how does it differ from other types of student loans? Maybe got an offer for this type of student loan directly from your college or university when you were reviewing your financial aid award. They may sound like a good deal – but are they? Here are the ins and outs of what to know.
How Do Tuition Payment Plans Work?
The College Investor – January 23, 2026
A tuition payment plan is a lesser-known way to pay for college as you go. It breaks your tuition bill up into smaller payments, allowing you to pay in installments over time. In this article we’ll dive into how these plans work, how much they cost, and some things you’ll want to be aware of before you enroll in one.
No-Student Loan Colleges: What To Know And Gotchas To Avoid
The College Investor – January 23, 2026
More than six dozen mostly private colleges offer generous “no loans” financial aid policies. The idea behind no-loan colleges is that students won’t have to take on student loan debt. Instead, the college will replace student loans with grants or scholarships. However, there are some potential disadvantages. In fact, you may even need a student loan to cover your costs (wait, what?). It can be confusing to navigate, so here’s what to know about no-loan colleges and financial aid policies.
When accommodations exist on paper but not in practice: How ACT testing fails students with disabilities
Youth Today – February 3, 2026
I was fully prepared to take the ACT by August of my senior year. I had studied for over a year, my practice scores reflected my readiness, and I had an approved 504 plan that clearly outlined my testing accommodations. On paper, everything was in place. In reality, it took four more months for me to actually sit for the exam. My experience is not unique. Across the country, students with disabilities face barriers barriers when attempting to access standardized testing accommodations. As schools reinstate SAT and ACT requirements, it is critical that these students are given genuine, not theoretical, access.
College Board Bans Smart Glasses During SAT
Inside Higher Ed – February 2, 2026
The College Board will prohibit students from wearing smart glasses—wearable, internet-connected computers that allow users to see a computer display in the lenses—while taking the SAT, starting in March 2026. The organization has long banned any wearable electronics or phones, and this rule is just an extension of that existing policy. Students will not be allowed to wear the devices even if they are prescription glasses, and if students are unable to take the test without them, they will be asked to return on a different day to take the test with a regular pair of glasses.
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College admissions offices take on a new role: Coaxing accepted students to show up
The Hechinger Report – March 3, 2026
After celebrating being accepted, incoming students at most colleges and universities learn they now need to slog through endless and complex steps they’re left mostly on their own to figure out — financial aid, loans, majors, placement tests, class registration, housing, roommates, textbooks, a meal plan, health insurance, public transportation, immunizations. However, as part of a surprisingly novel approach now being rolled out nationwide, colleges are not only trying to make the process simpler, they are enlisting admissions officers as guides for students navigating the complex process that confronts them.
Embedded Associate Degrees
U.S. News & World Report – January 29, 2026
While community colleges provide easy access to higher education at a low cost to students across the country, the average graduation rate at community colleges nationally remains under 40%. With the inaugural class, the high level of student support and residential nature of the associate’s degree program has led to impressive result, with a retention rate of 95% of students who began in fall 2024. All are on track to graduate in May.
GAO: Barriers keep schools from fully embracing assistive technology
K-12 Dive – January 30, 2026
School staff are challenged by limited knowledge of how assistive technology can help students with disabilities participate more fully in learning, as well as the rapid pace of changes in tech, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Financial Aid for Students With Disabilities
BestColleges.com – January 27, 2026
Students with disabilities can access federal aid like Pell Grants by filing the FAFSA, which does not affect SSDI or SSI benefits. SSDI and SSI provide monthly benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits can cover the cost of education, training, and assistive technology. In addition, specialized scholarships, such as Ruby’s Rainbow, offer awards of up to $10,000 for eligible students.
Study: 98% of Teens Attend Schools Limiting Cellphones, but Most Still Use Them
The 74 – January 28, 2026
“The results are pointing towards both parents and teens wanting to have at least some form of restrictions on cell phone use in classrooms — neither are reporting major downsides,” said one of the study’s researchers. “(Students and parents) are really supportive of the restrictions and they even support making rules stronger. Part of the challenge has been that even though schools have these rules, teens are telling us that they’re breaking them.”