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Denise Forte

@deniseedtrust.bsky.social
40 followers 16 following 237 posts

President & CEO of EdTrust, a mom, a Blue Devil, a fierce advocate for education equity.

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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 17h
Congratulations: - EdTrust in Massachusetts for winning Game Changer Campaign of the Year! - EdTrust for winning Best Defense! - EdTrust-West for winning Best Kept Secret! www.pie-network.org/what-we-do/t...
pie-network.org
2026 Eddies - PIE Network
One of our greatest strengths as a Network is working together to spread impact and know-how.  In that spirit, the Eddies provide an opportunity to amplify, celebrate, and learn from strategic advocac...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Great work from EdTrust’s Carl Felton III highlighting the different approaches to solving the chronic absenteeism crisis. While there is no single solution, as Carl tells The Gazette, the approaches are united by data, resources, and investments. gazette.com/2026/09/20/o...
gazette.com
What are solutions to chronically absent Colorado students?
Chronic absenteeism is linked to continued learning losses, higher chances of dropping out of high school and poor overall health.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Access to high-quality college and career advising, regardless of a student’s ZIP code, race, income, or background is vital to successful transitions from high school to college and career. Without it, we can never fully become a Nation of Promise. edtru.st/3SgElbc
edtru.st
Building Better Futures: 5 Policy Principles for Equitable College and Career Advising and Pathways
Every student deserves access to high-quality advising and pathways. This brief outlines five policy principles to expand opportunity and student success
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This an amazing piece about the impossible choices Black families make when choosing schools for their students. It is time to guarantee that every child has the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their boldest dreams. edtru.st/46GsQgF
edtru.st
Black Parents Should Not Have to Choose Between Tutoring and Therapy
The impossible choices Black families make reveal why America must guarantee the promise of public education.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
In an interview with Fox 5’s Jim Lokay, EdTrust's Alejandra Vázquez-Baur explains how the tragic story of one immigrant student highlights the broader impacts of current ICE efforts on student mental health and safety. edtru.st/4gWfVgJ
edtru.st
Ohio case highlights toll on immigrant students
On "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay," Alejandra Vasquez Bauer, a director of policy, advocacy, and partnerships for immigrant students, discussed the case of Pierre Dumas Bell, a 20-year-old Ohio college s...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
As some governors remain undecided about whether to opt into the Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program, data from Indiana is another reminder of the danger vouchers pose to students who rely on public eduction. edtru.st/4Aq8hTq
edtru.st
Indiana school vouchers: More high-income families are using them as program growth slows
For the first time, more school vouchers went to Indiana families making more than $100,000 than less than $100,000.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Great piece from EdTrust in Massachusetts’ Chanthy Lopes-Toro on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her as a parent. edtru.st/4hgn8s9
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Today is the last day to take action! Use EdTrust’s guide to submit your comment on the future of college accreditation. You have until 11:59pm to submit a comment on the Department of Education’s forthcoming proposed rule on accreditation. edtru.st/4yBIgzl
edtru.st
Accreditation Needs Reform. ED’s Forthcoming Proposed Rule Misses the Mark
The Department of Education's forthcoming proposed rule on accreditation would weaken accountability, erode academic freedom, and expand political influence over higher education
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Check out this newest resource and toolkit from EdTrust to advance equity, student success, and inclusive higher ed campus environments. edtru.st/4hiCB9O
edtru.st
Building the Conditions for Student Success: An Advocacy Toolkit for State Policy and Institutional Action
Despite the ongoing threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion, college DEI programs are important for students of color to feel like they belong
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Carolina Machado from EdTrust in Massachusetts explores the connection between school climate, student well-being, and attendance, and reminds us that improving outcomes start with attendance. edtru.st/4gVPjfI
edtru.st
Massachusetts Cannot Solve Chronic Absenteeism if Students Are Afraid to Go to School
Students can’t learn if they’re afraid to go to school. Here’s why the PROTECT Act is essential to attendance, learning, and student well-being
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The Department of Education's quiet release of its civil rights data is a clear step toward erasing the experiences and needs of Black and Latino students, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income and rural communities. edtru.st/4yyVqg1
npr.org
Federal civil rights data about students is finally out. It's different under Trump
The Education Department gathers a massive tranche of civil rights data about public school students. It's now available but harder to parse than in the past.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
EdTrust's Shayna Levitan connects the latest international test data to what we know from other datasets: solving the literacy crisis requires us to confront the persistent inequities in our education system. edtru.st/3UJYXJO
edtru.st
The Latest PISA Results Reaffirm That We Must Address the Literacy Crisis
The 2025 PISA results found that reading scores for U.S. students fell sharply from 2022. These latest results underscore the urgency of our nation’s literacy crisis
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
EdTrust’s Nicholas Munyan-Penney and Aileen Ma discuss the true cost lowering expectations for students to spare adult feelings in their blog post. edtru.st/4r0KmFz
edtru.st
Low Academic Standards Spare Adult Feelings at the Expense of Students’ Futures
As states lower the bar for graduation and grade-level tests, students can pass without mastering almost any high school skills
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
EdTrust’s Aileen Ma perfectly explains why Secretary McMahon’s recent comments on tracking students into skilled trades as early as elementary school is bad for kids. edtru.st/4wUDDyx
edtru.st
Tracking Students in Grade School Will Not Set Them Up for Success
Skilled trades are legitimate careers and a worthy target for college and career success. However, the idea that any child in grade school should be placed on a specific career pathway is absurd
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This great piece is from EVEN fellow Ingrid Seymour-Pérez. The Elevating Voices of Educators of Newcomers Fellowship honors educators fighting negative portrayals of immigrants, and is part of the National Newcomer Network, led by EdTrust's Alejandra Vázquez Baur. edtru.st/4cBxeAV
edtru.st
In Tennessee, My Immigrant Students and Families Give More Than They Take
Social worker's view: Even those who entered the country legally are now facing deportation as the rules change.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
The Trump administration has stepped up its efforts to eliminate civil rights protections. As a Black parent this is not an abstract policy debate. The guardrails are gone, and the consequences for Black students are too serious not to sound the alarm. edtru.st/4gKwHhf
edtru.st
The Trump Administration Threatens Black Students with Unfair and Punitive School Discipline and Punishment
By Denise Forte, EdTrust President and CEO
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Proud to lend my voice in defense of schools working to recognize and remove barriers that threaten education fairness for students of color. edtru.st/4xb3Vg3
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Public colleges and universities are the foundation of higher education and economic mobility in the United States. Now, those same institutions are under attack, as is the promise upon which they were built. edtru.st/4qNzI55
edtru.st
Back to the Well of Bad Ideas: Turning Bad Higher Ed Policy into State Law
By Reid Setzer, Government Affairs Director
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
EdTrust in Texas’s Jonathan Feinstein was featured in this “Inside Higher Ed” article explaining how Texas should continue to support community college students from traditionally underserved communities as it tries to fill a budget shortfall through cutting supports. edtru.st/4c54ArL
edtru.st
Texas Could Shortchange New Funding Model Champions
Community colleges’ student outcomes soared under a new performance-based funding model. But Texas lawmakers didn’t budget for so much success.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
New technology transforming student learning is generational. But the power of artificial intelligence (AI) seems radically different. And during this back-to-school season, students, teachers, and parents are all trying to navigate this new future. edtru.st/4wzegBW
edtrust.substack.com
As Students Return to School, We Must Ensure AI Works for Everyone
By Denise Forte
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
“The Department of Education sent a message today: race doesn’t matter. But the fact is, you cannot address racial disparities in school discipline by telling schools to ignore race. The consequences for Black students are too dire." edtru.st/4wtZNqZ
edtru.st
Ignoring Race Does Not Make School Discipline Race Neutral. It Makes Inequities Harder to Confront
Black students have long faced some of the harshest discipline in our nation's schools. The Department of Education’s new guidance restricting consideration of race in school discipline will have dire...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
EdTrust's new advocacy toolkit to fight school voucher programs equips advocates, families, educators, and community leaders with practical tools to push back against policies that weaken public education. edtru.st/3YKvrTy
edtru.st
Protect Public Schools: An Advocacy Toolkit to Fight School Voucher Programs
Here are resources communities can use to launch effective advocacy campaigns against school voucher programs.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Every child deserves a strong start. We must protect and invest in programs that make that promise a reality. edtru.st/4x8WEy9
edtru.st
High-Quality Early Childhood Care and Education is Magic for Children — and the Economy
The Trump administration is threatening to gut Head Start, putting the largest federal investment in early childhood education at risk
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
This article is a powerful reminder that educational opportunity is not just about access to school, but access to rigorous learning that opens doors to future careers and economic mobility. #EduReimagined #NationofPromise edtru.st/4zhD0kP
edtru.st
Report: Black Students’ Exclusion From High-Quality Math Has Dire Consequences
Black children are 15% of public school students, but only 6% of those in AP math while 12% of all workers are Black but just 9% of those in STEM.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Great work, EdTrust-New York! Their new report showcases successful programs driving stronger literacy outcomes and calls on state leaders to scale evidence-based solutions statewide. edtru.st/45Ugtx1
edtru.st
EdTrust-New York Highlights Proven Strategies to Improve Literacy Outcomes for Multilingual Learners Across New York - The Education Trust-New York
EdTrust-New York today released "Scaling What Works in Multilingual Literacy," a new report that highlights proven strategies to improve literacy outcomes for multilingual learners and calls on New York policymakers to scale evidence-based practices tha...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Read why EdTrust and nearly a dozen civil rights and education organizations argue that Equity Assistance Centers remain a vital tool for protecting students' rights and advancing educational opportunity. edtru.st/4fRCum8
edtrust.org
Joint Comment on Equity Assistance Centers
Education and civil rights organizations submit joint public comment expressing concerns regarding the proposed rescission of regulations pertaining to the Equity Assistance Centers by the Department ...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“The truth is that local control is about the federal government turning a blind eye as state and local leaders deliberately exclude Black communities from education and opportunity.” edtru.st/4wyccKR
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“Civil rights do not sustain themselves. They endure only when leaders and institutions choose to protect them.” edtru.st/3RKydrr
edtru.st
Louisiana Cannot Turn Back the Clock on Civil Rights
ET-Louisiana and Denise Forte Statement on the Ending of Desegregation Orders in Louisiana and What This Means Nationally
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Every back-to-school season is an opportunity for us all to reimagine and bring to life what we think is possible for students. This year let's move from a nation littered with unmet educational commitments to a nation of promise for all students. edtru.st/4wah08O
edtru.st
This School Year, Let’s Become a Nation of Promise
By Denise Forte
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
EdTrust’s Alejandra Vázquez Baur, co-founder and director of the National Newcomer Network, joined Chuck Rocha to discuss her background, the Network, and why immigration enforcement is such a big threat to immigrant students and school communities. edtru.st/4fCeqn1
edtrust.substack.com
The Rocha Revolution with Alejandra Vázquez
EdTrust's Alejandra Vázquez Baur speaks with Chuck Rocha on The Rocha Revolution.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
An upcoming regulatory proposal to change college accreditation threatens academic freedom, civil rights, and free speech. Once published, we must submit public comments that state the importance of free speech and student supports in higher education. edtru.st/4yBIgzl
edtru.st
Accreditation Needs Reform. ED’s Forthcoming Proposed Rule Misses the Mark
The Department of Education's forthcoming proposed rule on accreditation would weaken accountability, erode academic freedom, and expand political influence over higher education
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
EdTrust-New York's recent blog is clear: states have to deliver on Workforce Pell through prioritizing quality, accountability, and equity. If implemented thoughtfully, Workforce Pell can be a powerful tool for expanding opportunity. edtru.st/4bRBxrn
edtru.st
New York Must Build Guardrails to Ensure Workforce Pell Expands Opportunity - The Education Trust-New York
On July 1, 2026, the federal government launched Workforce Pell nationwide. The policy expands Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term workforce training programs and opens the door ...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
OMB’s regulation for federal financial assistance is misguided and likely unlawful. It would leave Americans worse off as services are cut off, redirected toward politically-favored topics and actors, or never even proposed as OMB’s prohibitions take hold. edtru.st/4wqlFnT
edtru.st
Joint Comment on OMB’s Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
Education and civil rights organizations submit joint public comment expressing concerns regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed overhaul of the administration of federal financial as...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
I am excited to join a panel hosted on Thursday by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, “Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead: Implications of the Changing Federal Role in Education.” I hope you will join us at 3 p.m.: edtru.st/4g0uBd1
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Great work, Tramelle Howard, highlighting that "higher education is central to the affordability crisis" and the "need pathways that are affordable and connected to economic opportunities." edtru.st/4bgVkQS
lailluminator.com
Louisiana needs more affordable pathways to higher education, not tuition increases • Louisiana Illuminator
With college costs weighing heavily on families, students are deciding whether higher education feels possible, affordable and worth it.
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
EdTrust's P-12 research and data analytics intern Jenna Maree P. Wong, explains how the “caps ignore disability-related costs, and could force many to choose between graduate school, private debt, and meeting basic needs.” edtru.st/4gUe5xd
edtru.st
How Graduate Education Loan Limits Will Hurt Students With Disabilities
New graduate loan caps ignore disability-related costs, and could force many to choose between graduate school, private debt, and meeting basic needs
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
We updated our Federal Funding at Risk tool for the latest round of budget proposals from House Republicans and President Trump. It highlights what’s at stake if either proposal is implemented in terms of dollars, teacher salaries, and school counselors. edtru.st/45iqG65
edtru.st
FY27 Federal Budget Proposal Cuts Billions from Education Funding
EdTrust’s Federal Funding at Risk tool highlights what’s at stake if either the president’s or the House’s budget proposal is implemented
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Massachusetts has made important investments in early literacy but we need to extend that momentum if we want to help middle and high school students develop and strengthen the literacy skills that will carry them to college, careers, and civic life. bit.ly/4gFWUiS
bit.ly
Beyond the Early Grades: The State of Adolescent Literacy in Massachusetts
Despite the state's top national ranking, about half of middle and high schoolers lack the support needed to read at grade level
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I want more of this! Last week our student researchers published blog posts based on their experiences and the experiences of students in their research, and it is tremendous. edtru.st/3Tbg4mS edtru.st/3TKiPeZ
edtru.st
Maryland Middle School Students Are Being Left Behind
When people discuss college and career opportunities, why are students expected to wait until high school to access college and career opportunities?
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
We need better access to AP and advanced coursework for our students. We need them to graduate with diplomas that open doors. edtru.st/4f9V3le
edtru.st
Our Kids Deserve a Diploma that Actually Opens Doors
We send our children to Houston ISD schools every morning, hoping that when they graduate, they'll be ready for what comes next
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Too many Black and Latino students are shut out of the advanced classes that lead to long-term success. EdTrust is proud to once again endorse the Advanced Coursework Equity Act. edtru.st/4vtOu1v
booker.senate.gov
Booker, Castro Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Expand Advanced Coursework Opportunities for Underrepresented Students | U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey
<p><strong>WASHINGTON, DC – </strong> U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) reintroduced the<em> Advanced Coursework Equity Act</em>, bicameral legislation that w...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
July's Disability Pride Month. For students of color, students with disabilities, and those with intersecting identities, an accessible future is achievable. This great blog series explains how we get there. edtru.st/453F5TE
edtru.st
Race and Disability Archives
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Bottom line from EdTrust's Wil Del Pilar, Ph.D.: “If we define educational value only through wages, the earnings test isn’t just coming for religious education. It’s coming for the very idea that education was ever about anything else except money.” edtru.st/44pj29N
edtru.st
The Earnings Test Is Coming for Religious Education
A new earnings test narrowly defines and focuses on wages to determine if academic programs provide economic value. For those in public service, they are doomed to fail
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
I am excited to join a distinguished panel for a conversation that will explore how education, civic engagement, and community leadership can help advance equity for future generations. You can RSVP here: edtru.st/4phsju1
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I want to share some great work from EdTrust-Midwest. ETM helped secure gains to improve learning conditions for traditionally underserved students and ensured anti-immigrant language was removed from the state’s final budget. edtru.st/4vXcjQE
edtru.st
EdTrust-Midwest Lauds Policymakers for Continued Support for Students with the Greatest Needs in FY 27 Budget - The Education Trust - Midwest
Today, the House and Senate reached a bi-partisan agreement on the FY 27 school aid budget that recognizes that all students deserve access to an excellent public education, but some students need mor...
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Reading doesn't stop in elementary school. In the final part of my interview with NPU's Keri Rodrigues, we hear her perspective on how to support older readers in the age of social media. edtru.st/4pfBOtS
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
We must stand against whitewashing and disenfranchisement, embrace the promise of our founding principles, and reclaim public education as a declarative right that not one single student should be denied an excellent education. edtru.st/4flgDTD
edtru.st
The Loss of Black Representation in Congress Is a Threat to America’s Public Schools
At our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must confront whitewashing and disenfranchisement and reclaim public education as a fundamental right that belongs to every student
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
As the federal government institutes harmful changes to education, states can take key steps: • Increase school funding • Protect nutrition programs • Protect immigrant students • Ensure student civil rights • Opt-out of the federal voucher program edtru.st/4vDLq42
edtrust.org
How States Can Pick Up the Slack as Federal Support for Education Shrinks
Federal changes to funding, push for vouchers require response from state legislators
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Denise Forte @deniseedtrust.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
In this part of my conversation with Keri Rodrigues, we talk about math and how we can make all students feel like math students. I hope you tune in! www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTL0Nx_zWXw
youtube.com
www.youtube.com
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