Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Mark respond to the stunning announcement of the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. They unpack what this unprecedented shift could mean for schools across the country and share their thoughts on how such a major change might play out in practice.

From the potential reworking of federal funding streams to the uncertain future of high-stakes testing, they explore both the challenges and the opportunities that could come with this dramatic move. While the implications are still unfolding, John and Mark offer their early reactions, areas of cautious optimism, and questions every educator should be asking.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• Reactions to the announcement of the Department of Education’s closure

• How the change process could unfold at the state and local levels

• The future of federal funding and how schools might still access support

• What this could mean for accountability and high-stakes testing

• Opportunities for rethinking education systems and priorities
• Initial reflections on navigating an uncertain educational landscape