Federal Focus

Federal Focus: Updates on Latest Federal News

This edition includes updates on two non-continuation notices the DPI received on two separate federal grants (the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project and the State Personnel Development Grant), a reminder of legal rights when supporting all students, and changes to the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. 

On Sept. 5, 2025, the DPI was notified by the U.S. Department of Education that funding supporting the following programs would be terminated at the conclusion of the current grant budget year (Sept. 30, 2025, for both): 

• The Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project: This project has supported 170 Wisconsin students with combined vision and hearing loss. The project, in the middle of a five-year grant program, provides assistive technology tools, coaching, family support, and professional training across Wisconsin. Funding had been expected to last through September 2028. 
• State Personnel Development Grant: This program addresses the critical special education teacher shortage in Wisconsin. The DPI last year received the $10.5 million, five-year grant and was in its first year of developing program. In its first year, the Special Educator Induction Program 280 new special educators across the state, helping them stay in the profession and serve more students effectively. According to DPI data, only 46 percent of new special education teachers in Wisconsin remain in the field after seven years. 

In both of these terminations, the USDE cited “a shift in administration priorities.” The DPI has formally appealed both non-continuations and will provide more updates as available. 

Reminder: Legal Rights for All Students 

As the school year begins, please remember that all students, regardless of citizenship status, are entitled to legal protections. For more details and a reminder of legal rights, please see the legal rights section of the January EdLeaders Dispatch. The law has not changed, and these rights remain regardless of executive orders. 

We continue to encourage you to contact your district legal counsel if you have additional questions. 

National Blue Ribbon Schools Program Ending 

On Aug. 29, 2025, the DPI was informed that the USDE will no longer support the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program again because of a shift in administration priorities. The program recognized outstanding schools for progress in closing achievement gaps. 

While both surprising and disappointing, the DPI remains committed to honoring the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School nominees and wil share state-level recognition plans when available.