Education News Highlights: July 21–27

Catch up on the key stories from the world of education in this week’s ED-EX.com digest.

Columbia University to Pay Over $220 Million in Landmark Federal Settlement

Columbia University has reached a settlement with the Trump administration, agreeing to sweeping reforms and a payment of over $220 million in exchange for the restoration of access to federal research funding.

Previously, the university faced a freeze on more than $400 million in federal research grants following criticism over its handling of anti-Israel protests and reported hostility toward Jewish students. The Republican administration accused U.S. higher education institutions of ideological bias, antisemitism, and race-based discrimination — which led to funding suspensions at several major universities, including Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Under the terms of the agreement, Columbia has committed to revising its internal policies: phasing out its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, overhauling the disciplinary review process, and enforcing stricter oversight of anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric on campus.

This settlement marks the first major victory in a broader federal initiative aimed at reforming the U.S. university environment. Trump administration officials have described the deal as a model for future negotiations with other top-tier institutions that have faced similar allegations of antisemitism and political bias.

UK Students to Be Taught That Low Mood Is Not Necessarily a Mental Health Disorder

Starting in September 2026, British primary and secondary schools will roll out a new section of the RSHE* curriculum (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education), focused on emotional literacy. The central message: feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed can be a normal response to life’s challenges — not automatically a sign of mental illness.

* RSHE is a mandatory part of the curriculum in England since 2020, covering relationships, sexual health, and personal well-being. It is regularly updated in line with evolving social and cultural norms.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that many children get their information from social media rather than from adults or professionals. The new approach aims to build resilience and critical thinking skills, helping students distinguish between everyday emotions and more serious conditions — and learn to manage stress without unnecessary alarm.

Teachers will be encouraged to:

• Introduce students to key characteristics of common mental health conditions (such as depression), while cautioning against self-diagnosis;
• Deliver the material carefully, ensuring students don’t mislabel normal feelings as clinical symptoms.

A study by University College London (UCL) and the Anna Freud charity — part of the “Education for Wellbeing” initiative — showed that helping students understand the difference between routine emotions and mental illness significantly improves their sense of well-being and increases their willingness to seek help when needed.

Idaho’s Young Readers Reach Record Literacy Levels

Idaho’s K-3 students have achieved a significant milestone in literacy, surpassing pre-pandemic reading levels for the first time since 2019. According to statewide assessments conducted in spring 2025, nearly 71% of students are now reading at or above grade level — up from 66.5% in spring 2024.

The most notable gains were seen among kindergartners: nearly 79% demonstrated reading proficiency this year, compared to 66% last spring. While students in grades 1 through 3 have yet to fully reach 2019 benchmarks, they showed consistent improvements across all categories.

Experts attribute this success to targeted state investments in early literacy. Funding for reading programs has increased from $13.1 million in 2019 to $72.8 million in 2025. Much of that support has gone toward SMART (Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together), an evidence-based initiative aimed at strengthening reading outcomes through research-backed instruction.

Despite this progress, roughly 25,000 students — or about 29% — remain below grade level. Educators and policy experts emphasize the continued need for support and strategic investment to close the gap and ensure all Idaho students achieve literacy success.

U.S. to Withdraw from UNESCO Again, Undermining Global Educational Cooperation

The Trump administration has announced that the United States will once again withdraw from UNESCO — the United Nations’ agency for education, science, and culture. The decision, set to take effect in December 2026, marks the country’s third withdrawal from the organization, following earlier exits in 1984 and 2017 for political reasons.

In a State Department press release, the U.S. accused UNESCO of “promoting divisive social and cultural agendas” and prioritizing a “globalist sustainability agenda” that allegedly conflicts with the administration’s “America First” policy and national interests. In response, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay defended the organization’s work, citing its commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting Holocaust education.

Founded in 1945 to foster peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture, UNESCO currently receives about 8% of its budget from the U.S. Despite the withdrawal, the agency says it will continue its mission by diversifying funding sources and strengthening partnerships with other member states.

The move is part of a broader Trump-era strategy to scale back U.S. involvement in international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council. Education and cultural programs — both in the U.S. and globally — are expected to feel the ripple effects of this decision. The U.S. currently has 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

Expanding Access to Higher Education: HESI Global Forum 2025

On July 21, 2025, the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Global Forum brought together more than 100 participants from universities, international organizations, and student movements to explore the role of higher education in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held virtually under the UN's political forum on sustainable development, the event focused on removing systemic barriers through science-driven and equitable approaches.

One of the forum’s key outcomes was the launch of the HESI Partnership Framework — a new platform uniting higher education institutions around three pillars: education, research, and collaboration. Attendees shared practical examples of sustainability solutions, including efforts to improve technological access and inclusive education for vulnerable populations.

New York State to Ban Smartphones in Schools Starting Fall 2025

A growing national consensus around limiting phones in schools has gained real traction. According to a new Pew Research Center study, nearly 74% of American adults support banning smartphones in middle and high schools — a jump from 68% last year. Even more striking: 44% now favor a full-day ban, including lunch and recess, compared to just 36% in 2024.

The state of New York is set to become the first to implement a total smartphone ban across public schools starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. The new “bell-to-bell” rule means that unless explicitly approved, devices must remain off throughout the school day.

Proponents of the policy — including many parents and educators — argue that smartphones disrupt focus, hinder social interaction, and contribute to declining academic performance. On the other hand, critics voice concerns about student safety, arguing that children should have immediate access to their phones in emergencies.

The “Uber of Education”: Can an App Replace Traditional Public Schools?

While some states are cracking down on smartphone use in schools, others are embracing digital tools to reimagine the entire education system. A new platform called Edefy is drawing attention for doing just that — offering an alternative to traditional public education in the form of a flexible, app-driven marketplace.

Dubbed the “Uber of education,” Edefy lets parents design their own micro-schools (or “pods”), rent learning spaces, hire certified teachers, and create customized curricula — all from a mobile app. Much like booking a ride or a vacation rental, families can browse teaching options and build the school experience that works for them.

Backers see Edefy as a response to frustrations over bureaucracy, overcrowding, and political conflicts in public schools. Critics, including teacher unions, warn of growing “informal” education models that may lack oversight. Still, Edefy’s creators argue that individualized, tech-supported education is no longer a luxury for the elite — it’s becoming a mainstream reality for families seeking more control and flexibility.