The 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees undocumented children access to public K‑12 education, faced multiple state‑level challenges in 2025. While most attempts stalled, Tennessee and other legislatures remain sources of potential change, prompting K‑12 leaders and higher‑ed access advocates to watch legal and funding risks closely. Meanwhile principals across districts say they need upgraded professional development in instructional leadership, AI integration and teacher support to navigate policy shifts and diverse student needs. Those training gaps have direct implications for college readiness and pathways into higher education.