Behind the Curtain: The Real Story on Federal Education Policy

Feeling overwhelmed by all the federal education news? You’re not alone. In this episode of amplifiED, hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson sit down with Spencer Sherman of Education First to break down what’s really happening in Washington and what it means for schools, families, and communities here in Minnesota.

Spencer pulls back the curtain on the “Wizard of Oz” of federal policymaking, explaining which executive orders have real impact, how Project 2025 is shaping the Trump administration’s education agenda, what the shutdown and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” mean for education funding, and why state and local action matter more than ever.

This conversation cuts through the noise to help you separate fact from fear, understand the stakes for students, and see how we can all help rebuild a more just and equitable education system.