E-Update for September 23, 2016
Highlights
- On September 23, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the final rule that makes regulatory changes to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
- On September 23, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) released non-regulatory guidance to support English Learners and Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
- On September 22, the text of a Continuing Resolution (CR), which if approved, will continue funding for government operations beyond September 30 through December 9 was released. A cloture vote on the substitute amendment is scheduled for Tuesday at 2:15 pm. CR summary here.
- On September 22, USED terminated recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
- On September 22, EducationCounsel released Getting Our House in Order: Clarifying the Role of the State in Higher Education Quality Assurance, a new chapter in our ongoing examination of the “triad” of quality assurance (the federal government, accrediting agencies, and states). Guided by published research and the perspectives of leading state experts, stakeholders, and researchers, it aims to inform policy by: (1) discussing the triad today; (2) examining the array of state roles related to higher education quality assurance; and (3) positing a list of core responsibilities that all states should fulfill to support effective quality assurance systems.
U.S. Congress
Ranking Members Murray and Scott Request Guidance from USED on Addressing Teacher Shortages through ESSA: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) sent a letter to USED to request that the Department provide guidance on how to use funds under ESSA to address teacher shortages. In the letter, Ranking Members Murray and Scott outlined efforts that USED should cover in its Title II guidance.
September 22, 2016
House Passes H.R. 5963, the “Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act”: The House of Representatives passed by a vote of 382 to 29, H.R. 5963, the “Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act,” as amended. This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) to help state and local leaders better serve at-risk youth and juvenile offenders. The bill was introduced by Representative Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and House Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Scott to enhance support for prevention services, prioritize evidence-based strategies for addressing juvenile delinquency, and improve accountability and oversight of the juvenile justice system, among other reforms. The bill text is available here.
September 22, 2016
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Management Holds Hearing on Regulatory Guidance: The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Management held a hearing entitled, “Continued Review of Agency Regulatory Guidance, Part III.” During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman James Lankford (R-OK) questioned USED Assistant Secretary for the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development Amy McIntosh about USED’s Title IX guidance regarding issues affecting transgender students.
September 22, 2016
Ranking Member Scott Introduces H.R. 6117, the “Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2016”: House Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Scott (D-VA) introduced H.R. 6117, the “Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2016,” to address challenges faced by youth who are disconnected from both school and work. The bill would help at-risk youth with employment opportunities and develop opportunities for successful transition from school to work. The full bill is available here.
September 22, 2016
Senators Warron, Durbin, and Schatz Introduce S. 3380, the “Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act”: Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced S. 3380, the “Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act,” which would take steps to reduce student debt and to protect students and taxpayers by reforming higher education accreditation and strengthening USED’s ability to hold accreditors accountable. Senator Warren explained, “Accrediting agencies are supposed to make sure students get a good education and ensure colleges aren’t cheating students while sucking down taxpayer money. But right now the accreditation system is broken.” The bill text can be found here and a fact sheet can be found here.
September 22, 2016
House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Holds Hearing on Proposed Supplement, Not Supplant Regulations: The House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing entitled, “Supplanting the Law and Local Education Authority Through Regulatory Fiat.” The hearing focused on USED’s proposed regulation on supplement, not supplant provisions in ESSA. During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Todd Rokita (R-IN) and several Subcommittee members and witnesses expressed discontent over the proposed regulation, citing concerns that its implementation could lead to the forced transfer of teachers in order to comply with the fiscal accountability provision. Chairman Rokita’s statement is available here.
September 21, 2016
Senators Coons and Isakson Introduce S. 3368, the “Access Success and Persistence In Reshaping Education (ASPIRE) Act”: Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced S. 3368, the “Access Success and Persistence In Reshaping Education (ASPIRE) Act,” which would increase accountability for institutions of higher education regarding improving access and completion rates for low-income students. The legislation would tie some federal aid funding to new accountability metrics. The Senators also jointly released a report entitled “Making the Grade: A Closer Look at College Access and Completion.” The report examined findings and data on access and completion for different subgroups of students, particularly low-income students. The report is available here and the full bill can be found here.
September 21, 2016
Senator McCaskill Sends Letter to USED and OMB Regarding the Streamlining of Sexual Assault Data: Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) sent a letter to USED and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reconsider their opposition to recommendations in a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study that called for streamlining sexual assault data. In the letter, Senator McCaskill noted that an interagency forum on sexual violence data collection will allow federal agencies to identify areas of collaboration between the agencies to produce higher quality data.
September 21, 2016
Chairman Kline and Representatives Foxx and Rokita Send Letter to USED on Rulemaking and Personnel Issues: The House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN), Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Representative Rokita (R-IN) sent a letter to USED Secretary John King to request information about USED’s end-of-administration plans for rulemaking and various personnel issues. The letter specifically raises concerns regarding “midnight rulemaking” and potential increases in federally appointed employees being converted to a career position during an administration transition.
September 20, 2016
Senate Approves H.R. 5985, the “Department of Veteran Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016”: The Senate approved H.R. 5985, the “Department of Veteran Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016,” which includes a provision allowing GI Bill educational benefits to continue to flow to veterans for up to 18 months after the school’s accreditor loses federal recognition. The bill has now been sent to the President for his signature. Additionally, a bipartisan group of Senators wrote a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald urging the agency to take immediate action to ensure that veterans and their families have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.
September 19, 2016
Senators Hatch and Bennet Introduce S.3344, the “Innovation for Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2016”: Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced S.3344, the “Innovation for Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2016,” which would provide additional resources to improve pathways from the classroom to the workplace. The bill would also enhance STEM education through Pay for Success initiatives and increase access to open education resources. Senator Hatch’s statement can be found here. Senator Bennet’s statement can be found here.
September 15, 2016
Administration
HHS Releases Final Rule for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF): HHS released the final rule that makes regulatory changes to the CCDF based on the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014. The pre-publication notice asserts that changes included in the final rule will strengthen requirements to protect the health and safety of children in child care; help parents make informed consumer choices and access information to support child development; provide equal access to stable, high-quality child care for low-income children; and enhance the quality of child care and the early childhood workforce. The official notice is expected to be included in the Federal Register in the coming days and will take effect 60 days from the date of official publication.
September 23, 2016
USED Releases Guidance on Supporting English Learners through ESSA: USED released non-regulatory guidance to help states, districts, and schools provide effective services to improve the English language proficiency and academic achievement of English Learners through Title III of the ESSA. The guidance includes information on the use of Title III funds to serve English Learners; the design and delivery of language instruction educational programs (including for educators of English Learners); information on parent, family, and community engagement; information on distinct populations of English Learners, including early learners, former English Learners, immigrant students, and students with disabilities; and publications and resources for administrators and educators who work with English Learners. The guidance can be accessed here.
September 23, 2016
USED Terminates Recognition of ACICS: USED announced its decision to terminate recognition of ACICS as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. This action was recommended by USED staff and the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity after ACICS was found in violation of several regulatory criteria. ACICS plans to appeal the decision. In response to USED’s decision, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman Kline issued a statement highlighting the potential consequences of the decision and his commitment to ensuring that the interests of students and taxpayers are held paramount. Chairman Kline’s statement can be found here. ACICS’ press release is available here. USED’s letter can be found here.
September 22, 2016
USED Awards Grant to Support Educators of English Learner Students: USED announced the awarding of $22 million in grants under the National Professional Development Program. The funds will help educators of English Learner students by supporting professional development activities that improve instruction for English Learners.
September 22, 2016
USED Awards Grants to Increase Low-Income Student’s Access to AP Tests: USED announced the awarding of $28.4 million in grants to help low-income students take Advanced Placement (AP) tests. The grants will be awarded to 41 states and Washington, D.C. to help pay for students from low-income families to take AP, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge International Examinations tests.
September 20, 2016
USED Releases New Resources to Help Students Affected by the Closure of ITT Tech: USED announced new resources to assist students who are impacted by the recent closure of ITT Tech. USED joined Beyond 12 and the National Association of Student Financial Aid to announce the launch of a new online package of supports, which will match students with financial aid and academic counselors to provide guidance on how to continue their studies. The resources can be found here.
September 19, 2016
USED Releases Resources on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Schools: USED released Safe Place to Learn, an interactive resource which highlights strategies and tools for schools to create safe school communities and prevent discrimination based on sex. The resources include guidance for administrators, e-learning modules for school staff, and other trainings and suggested action steps to help school staff prevent and respond to acts of peer-to-peer sexual harassment and violence.
September 19, 2016
Publications
GAO Releases Report on Tiered Evidence Grants: GAO released a report regarding tiered evidence grants, which recommends that OMB establish a formal means for federal agencies to collaborate on tiered evidence grants to capture and share lessons learned to strengthen tiered evidence grantmaking.
September 22, 2016
GAO Releases Report on Data and Analytics Innovation: GAO released a report on a forum the office convened on emerging opportunities and challenges in data and analytics innovation. The goal of the forum and subsequent report is to help lay the groundwork for future efforts to maximize data and analytics innovation benefits and minimize potential drawbacks.
September 22, 2016
IES Releases Report on Pell Grant Participation: USED’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) released a report entitled, “Changes in Pell Grant Participation and Median Income of Recipients.” The report describes the proportion of undergraduates who received a Pell Grant by dependency status and also presents the median family income of Pell Grant recipients in four academic years.
September 20, 2016
IES Releases Report on Predicting Math Outcomes in Grades 3-8: IES’ Southeast Regional Educational Laboratory Program produced a study which explores the use of a reading screening assessment for the identification of students who are at risk for low achievement in math in grades 3 through 8. The findings could lead to reduced costs and testing time for districts and will support educators in implementing and interpreting the screening assessments.
September 21, 2016
Legislation
S.3344
Innovation for Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] (Introduced 09/15/2016) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
S.3352
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan deferment for victims of terrorist attacks.
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] (Introduced 09/19/2016) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
S.3362
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to support fire safety education programs on college campuses.
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 09/20/2016) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
H.R.6090
To provide that section 4108(5)(C)(iv) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 may be known as “Bree’s Law”.
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] (Introduced 09/20/2016) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
S.3368
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve college access and college completion for all students.
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (Introduced 09/21/2016) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
H.R.6095
To authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to increase access to prekindergarten through grade 12 computer science education.
Sponsor: Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13] (Introduced 09/21/2016) Cosponsors: (11)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce