The information covered below is from October 6, 2023, to October 19, 2023.

Highlights:

• On October 10 and 11, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) held the first negotiated rulemaking session regarding federal student loan debt relief.
• On October 19, the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing titled, "Protecting Kids: Combating Graphic, Explicit Content in School Libraries.”
• On October 18, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “Safeguarding Data and Innovation: Setting the Foundation for the Use of AI.”

Administration:

U.S. Department of Education (USED):

USED holds first negotiated rulemaking session on student loan debt relief: On October 10 and 11, the USED held the first negotiated rulemaking session regarding federal student loan debt relief. The sessions follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June which ruled that the Biden Administration does not have the legal authority to provide widespread debt relief under the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (“HEROES”) Act. As a result, the USED is using the negotiated rulemaking process to explore ways to pursue loan forgiveness under the Higher Education (HEA). According to Higher Ed Dive, USED Under Secretary James Kvaal delivered remarks at the beginning of the session stating, “These are complex issues…we will carefully consider the ideas we hear, do our best to respond in a timely manner and negotiate in good faith.” The committee then began by agreeing to bring in two new participants — one representing borrowers with disabilities and another who advocates for consumer rights. Higher Ed Dive also reported that discussion later in the day focused on “alleviating borrowers’ debt loads and making it easier for them to understand the federal financial aid system [with] Committee members voic[ing] concerns about burdensome interest, specifically when borrowers can’t pay off their loans because it keeps growing.”

In advance of the first negotiated rulemaking session, the USED released an issue paper laying out an initial set of policy considerations to create a path to debt relief for student loan borrowers in need. Specifically, the paper identifies five questions about distinct categories of affected borrowers for which the Department is seeking feedback, including: (1) borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed; (2) borrowers whose loans first entered repayment decades ago; (3) borrowers who attended programs that did not provide sufficient financial value; (4) borrowers who are eligible for relief under programs like income-driven repayment but have not applied; and (5) borrowers who have experienced financial hardship and need support, but for whom the current student loan system does not adequately address. However, the USED is not foreclosed from attempting to provide student debt relief to borrowers beyond the five categories enumerated.

Previously, the Biden Administration had proposed student loan forgiveness of $10,000 for borrowers earning less than $125,000 annually and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. The issue paper released in advance of the first meeting does not explicitly address the Biden Administration’s previous student loan forgiveness proposal. Additional negotiated rulemaking sessions are expected to be held on November 6-7 and December 11-12.

USED Secretary Cardona travels to Philadelphia to discuss career pathways and apprenticeships: On October 16, USED Secretary Miguel Cardona traveled to Philadelphia, PA, to meet with Mayor Jim Kenney (D) and various union leaders regarding the need for increased career pathways and career and technical education (CTE) programming and apprenticeships. According to Chalkbeat Philadelphia, Secretary Cardona shared that he was encouraged by workforce partnerships in the city stating, “All the stars are aligning here for an opportunity for the students here in Philadelphia that maybe didn’t exist before.” In addition to meeting with Mayor Kenney, Secretary Cardona met with Philadelphia School Superintendent Tony Watlington, Community College of Philadelphia President Donald Generals, President of Philadelphia AFL-CIO Danny Bauder, and President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (AFT) Jerry Jordan.

USED releases its updated Data Strategy: On September 28, the USED released its updated Data Strategy. The strategy describes the USED’s vision for becoming a more data-driven organization and identifying pathways to leverage data to advance the Department’s mission. The Data Strategy was first released in 2020 and has four primary goals: strengthening agency-wide data governance, building human capacity to leverage data, advancing the strategic use of data, and improving data access, transparency, and privacy. The updated Data Strategy includes 16 new objectives to continue progress on these goals and improve how the USED manages and leverages data. Introducing the new Data Strategy, USED Acting Chief Data Officer Sharon Boivin shared, “Our persistent efforts to effectively leverage education data as a strategic asset are intentionally designed to deliver on mission; restore, renew, and transform our education system in the wake of the pandemic; and fulfill our obligations to our nation’s citizens and the students we support and serve.”

Institute for Education Sciences (IES) requests comments on new program to support scaling of quick-turnaround, high-reward solutions: On October 11, the USED issued a notice requesting comments on the National Center for Education Research’s efforts to fund quick-turnaround, high-reward, scalable solutions intended to improve education outcomes for all students through a proposed new program to be known as “From Seedlings to Scale” (S2S). IES is considering a three-phase investment strategy for S2S to support transformative ideas. As proposed, S2S would focus on high-quality research, robust product development, and sustainability and scaling in the education marketplace. Comments will be accepted until November 13.

IES Director highlights success in using artificial intelligence (AI) to score math assessments: On October 16, IES Director Mark Schneider highlighted the results of a recent competition designed to implement AI-assisted autoscoring of open-ended math items on the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP). Director Schneider outlined four key lessons that were learned from the competition, highlighting how AI can now address autoscoring problems that were hindrances in previous models. Director Schneider also noted that both transparency in scoring processes and checking for bias are still challenges. The announcement concluded with optimism regarding what AI could support in the future stating, “If an autoscoring algorithm can evaluate what a student knows and can do, then it can also help teachers better identify what students don't know and can't do. Take it from me, a former middle school math teacher, information doesn't get much more valuable than that.”

USED announces awards for new grant program dedicated to developing diverse schools: On October 19, USED announced $14 million in new awards for the first-ever Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Program. The grants are intended to help build the capacity of local educational agencies (LEAs) to meet the needs of students, including academic, social, emotional, and mental health by increasing access to and equity in diverse and inclusive learning environments. Specifically, the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grants program supports grants to develop or implement and make publicly available as a resource school diversity plans that improve school conditions for student learning by supporting voluntary efforts to increase school socioeconomic diversity in preschool through grade 12.The awards follow a USED report from earlier this year that showed how schools are often isolated along racial or socioeconomic lines and are sometimes paired with disparities in resources and funding. Announcing the awards, USED Secretary Cardona shared that, “Our Fostering Diverse Schools Grant program will support innovative, locally-driven efforts to Raise the Bar for academic achievement and learning conditions in our schools by providing more students with more diverse, more equitable, and ultimately, more enriching learning opportunities.”

USED announces awards to benefit underserved students and student parents at postsecondary institutions: On October 12, the USED announced $13 million in new Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant program awards to 34 postsecondary campuses to support student parents with low incomes. In addition to supporting campus-based child care programs for student parents with low incomes, the CCAMPIS program funds may be used for before- and after-school services, and for some grantees, serve the child care needs of the community served by the institution. The new awards will support campuses in 18 states. USED Secretary Miguel Cardona shared that the grants would help institutions “raise the bar for how they support student parents as they work to earn degrees and credentials that will advance their careers and boost their earning potential.”

The USED also announced more than $75 million in grant awards through three other grant programs to benefit underserved students at institutions of higher education, including the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Part A grant program, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) state grant program, and the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). The USED awarded $6 million under the AANAPISI Part A grant program to improve and expand institutions’ capacity to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders and low-income individuals, $23 million through the GEAR UP program to increase the number of students with low incomes who are prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, and $46 million through the SIP program to help institutions expand their capacity to serve students with low incomes.

USED announces awards to support technical assistance centers: On October 6, the USED announced awards to support students’ academic success and mental health through technical assistance centers. Nearly $1 million in increased funding will be added to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Center to expand access to state education agencies (SEAs) that do not currently have a CLSD grant. The National Technical Assistance Center for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program will receive $18.3 million to assist state education agencies (SEAs) and their grantees that operate 21st CCLC programs in providing academic supports and other enrichment opportunities for students, and especially underserved students, during non-school hours.  Finally, $5.6 million in new funds will go toward the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (Title IV, Part A) and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Stronger Connections Technical Assistance Center (T4PA) for SEAs to increase their capacity to assist LEAs in implementing programs focused on student safety and well-being. Announcing the new awards, USED Secretary Cardona shared that the “new technical assistance opportunities … will help education leaders to hone their statewide literacy plans, respond to individual student's needs and civil rights, and provide enriching out-of-school-time programs.”

USED announces awards to support family engagement efforts: On October 11, the USED announced $11.4 million in new grants to 12 organizations across the country to improve and strengthen family engagement programs. The funds were awarded through the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFEC) program to carry out parent and family engagement activities, as well as provide technical assistance and support to SEAs and LEAs in improving their family engagement systems. Grantees can also provide direct services to support family-school and family-teacher relationships aimed at improving academic outcomes for children. Funds can further assist in implementing strategic surveys and publishing findings to inform stakeholders about educational barriers and opportunities. The new awards are a part of the USED’s “Raising the Bar for Parent Partnership in Our Schools” efforts to increase parent and family engagement.

USED Secretary Cardona names seven new members to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB): On October 6, USED Secretary Cardona named seven new members to the NAGB, which oversees the Nation's Report Card. The Nation's Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), is used as the official nationally representative assessment of student achievement. The following new members began their term on October 1:

• Lisa Ashe, Secondary Mathematics Consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction;
• Shari Camhi, Superintendent of Schools at Baldwin Union Free School District in Baldwin, New York;
• Michelle Cantú-Wilson, Trustee at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas;
• Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Rhode Island;
• Guillermo Solano-Flores, Professor of Education at Stanford University;
• Darein Spann, Principal at Starkville High School in Starkville, Mississippi; and
• Jane Swift, former governor of the State of Massachusetts.

Announcing the new members, Secretary Cardona shared, “I’m confident the appointees announced today will draw on their diverse experiences - including as school leaders, educators, and parents - to guide decision-making around how we assess student achievement in our country.”

Congress:

Senate:

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and National Science Foundation Director Panchanathan testify before Senate Commerce Committee on CHIPS and Science Act implementation and oversight: On October 4, the Senate Committee on Commerce held a hearing titled, “CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight,” at which U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan testified. The hearing comes over one year after the passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which targets improvements in American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security, and makes investments in research and development, science and technology, and a future-focused workforce. Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell opened the hearing by remarking on the need for a trained workforce stating, “As we look to the future, we need to work together to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in the global marketplace on other issues like artificial intelligence…we need a workforce that is well-skilled and technical to the types of technologies that are being used today.” Secretary Raimondo shared that since the legislation passed, “the Department [of Commerce] has worked closely with the semiconductor industry, labor unions, education providers, and other community partners to develop a strong vision for workforce development,” adding that the investments will aim to “expand the workforce pipeline [to] includ[e] women and people of color.” Additionally, Secretary Raimondo shared that the Department would invest “$11 billion to build a strong semiconductor R&D ecosystem to generate the ideas and the talent necessary to support these efforts.” NSF Director Panchanathan reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment and role in “inspiring and training the next-generation STEM workforce – through K-12 informal STEM education, technical training, support for master’s and Ph.D. students, and adult and continuing education, including experiential learning, enabling reskilling and upskilling of the current workforce.”

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Cassidy, with a bipartisan group of Senators, introduces legislation to support development of new charter schools: On October 18, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and a bipartisan group of seven Senators introduced legislation aimed at streamlining the application process for opening new charter schools. The “Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act” will authorize state authorities to make federal Charter Schools Programs (CSP) grants of up to $100,000 for applicants that are led by educators with at least five years of school-based experience and have an initial plan for the opening of a public charter school. Additionally, the bill would permit state entities to use up to 5% of their grant funds for pre-planning awards and raise the cap on the percentage of state entities’ grant funds that may be used for technical assistance and quality improvement activities from 7% to 10%. Announcing the legislation, Ranking Member Cassidy said, “When starting a new school, knowing how to help a child succeed is the utmost priority. Teachers have that knowledge. This bill gives teachers the resources to create their own charter schools so they can continue to provide a better future for our children.” Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a co-sponsor of the bill, said, “This bipartisan bill will provide vital funding and support for technical assistance and administrative requirements to encourage the development of new high-quality public charter school applications and promote innovation in our children's education.”

Senator Kyrsten Sinema joins Appropriations Committee: On October 18, Senator Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) joined the Senate Appropriations Committee, filling the seat of late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). In her announcement, Senator Sinema said, “In this role, I’ll continue to work across the aisle to deliver real results for Arizonans by ensuring responsible investments in our country, boosting border resources, securing Western water, addressing affordability for working Americans, and making sure Washington understands and responds to Arizona’s unique needs.”

House:

House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education holds a hearing on “explicit” library materials: On October 19, the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing titled, "Protecting Kids: Combating Graphic, Explicit Content in School Libraries.” The hearing featured four witnesses, including, Dr. Jonathan Friedman, Director of Free Expression and Education Programs at PEN America; Max Eden, Research Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Megan Degenfelder, Superintendent for the Wyoming Department of Education; and Lindsey Smith, a parent and chapter chair for the Moms for Liberty, a conservative advocacy group. Member statements and questions during the hearing generally fell along partisan lines with Republican members highlighting examples of “explicit” content and Democratic members arguing that efforts to remove books amounts to censorship or book banning. 

Subcommittee Chairman Aaron Bean (R-FL), in his opening statement, argued that, “Today, the Committee will set the record straight for the American people: inappropriate books are in school libraries, and local communities are within their rights to remove them. Now some of my Democrat(ic) colleagues will inevitably accuse Republicans of engaging in a widespread campaign to “ban” books because of racial animus or prejudice against LGBT students. However, none of the evidence suggests books are being removed for any reason other than inappropriate, explicit content.” Bean also stated that “...the Committee must ask ourselves today, do communities have the right to remove inappropriate content from library shelves? Of course, they do. School boards, communities, and parents constantly set standards of decency.” Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), raised concerns that “censorship laws [are] being enacted by extreme MAGA politicians under the pretext of parental rights.” Bonamici urged the Subcommittee to focus on more urgent issues in education, stating “...we need to get back to doing what’s best for children…Let’s talk about the schools where they don’t even have a library.” 

Witness testimony during the hearing included Dr. Friedman noting that, in a recent report, “In the 2022–23 school year, PEN America recorded 3,362 instances of books banned, an increase of 33% from the 2021–22 school year, in 33 states and 153 public school districts.” He argued that, “We can — and we must — distinguish between a parent raising a particular concern to a school official, and a well-organized campaign to mobilize people to disrupt public education writ large.” Eden from AEI made the point that, “It’s perfectly natural, normal, and responsible for parents to prefer that school districts not stock their libraries with pornographic material…and it’s good for school board members to meet the moral preferences of parents.” Smith, the parent and Moms for Liberty chapter chair, commented that, “If removing a sexual[ly] explicit book from school libraries is what you see as book banning, then you need to re-evaluate your language. These books are available to anyone who wishes to purchase them.” 

House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Raskin publishes report on book bans: On October 5, House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) released a report titled, “Book Bans and Curriculum Gag Orders: National Trends,” which shows “how book bans and curriculum gag orders threaten public education, exacerbate the teacher shortage, and politicize K-12 classrooms.” The report’s findings describe how challenges to curricula and books “undermine teachers’ ability to share knowledge and deny students the ability to learn and grow in a pluralistic society.” The report also includes statistics about the increasing number of states and districts these challenges are impacting. According to the report, book bans and other related stressor have led to polarization and exacerbated teacher shortages, and points to specific examples in states like Arizona and Florida. Releasing the report, Ranking Member Raskin stated, “These efforts are calculated to erase history, silence diverse voices, and alter the nature of political discourse. It is time to reaffirm our fundamental commitment to First Amendment rights and the freedom of young people to read, write, and become effective citizens of our democracy.”

House Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee holds a hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) and national data privacy standard: On October 18, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing titled, “Safeguarding Data and Innovation: Setting the Foundation for the Use of AI.” A memo released prior to the hearing acknowledged that the multi-dimensional nature of AI could be “comprised of personal and sensitive information about individuals,” collected with or without their consent, and that “there is no comprehensive U.S. federal data privacy and security law.” The memo asserts that, “As Congress examines AI and questions if regulation is needed, the foundational step is to enact a comprehensive federal data privacy and security law that sets protections for American’s sensitive information.” In his opening remarks at the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) recognized that AI can support industries like the healthcare sector in processing information, but that, “Without a data privacy and security standard that dictates the rules for how companies can collect, process, store, and transfer information, bad actors may have unfettered access to use and exploit our most sensitive information.” Chairman Bilirakis added that, “Americans deserve more transparency around what companies do with their information, more control over how their information can be used, and better data security practices from the entities that use it.” Full Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) also emphasized his support for data privacy stating that, “Since sufficient guardrails do not exist for American’s data and AI systems, we are unfortunately hearing of a growing number of reports of harmful impacts from the use of AI systems,” including “the creation of deep fakes, leaking of personal data and algorithmic-driven discrimination.” Ranking Member Pallone shared his support for a national federal privacy standard as, “It is the only way we can limit the aggressive and abusive data collection practices of Big Tech and data brokers, ensure our children’s sensitive information is protected online, protect against algorithmic bias, and put consumers back in control of their data.”

House Education and the Workforce Committee Policy Advisor and USED Senior Advisor speak on measuring the value in higher education: On October 17, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) hosted an event titled, "Measuring the Value in Higher Education,” which included a panel discussion with Republican House Education and the Workforce Committee Policy Advisor Chance Russell, USED Senior Advisor for the Office of the Chief Economist Rajeev Darolia, and Stig Leschly, the President of the Postsecondary Commission. The event was held to consider how federal and state policymakers plan to address the rising debt burden facing college graduates, and how well higher education institutions prepare graduates for entering the workforce and paying off accrued debt. Darolia remarked on how the USED is working to expand its systems for expanded data collection that would support increased institutional accountability and noted the need for both researchers and practitioners to make clear to the Department what data is needed. Darolia emphasized that measuring post-degree earnings is important, but it is an incomplete measure of value and other factors need to be included. Russell also remarked on several changes needed to the current accountability system, while noting that the issue has bipartisan support to make data accessible to students and families. He emphasized that there also needs to be a balance with the reporting responsibilities for institutions. Russell added that policy discussions related to workforce Pell Grant legislation (or Short-term Pell) remain a priority for House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC).

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Foxx requests joint effort with USED Secretary Cardona on fighting student loan repayment scammers: On October 12, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) sent a letter to USED Secretary Cardona calling for a joint effort to protect student loan borrowers against scammers. The letter comes as student loan repayments restarted on October 1, and Chairwoman Foxx writes that “the student loan system has become increasingly complicated” and “deceitful companies are taking advantage of the complexity of this network to exploit individuals.” Chairwoman Foxx provides examples of the ways in which companies have mislead borrowers and families, including claiming that they work on behalf of the USED and charging fees to supposedly help borrowers despite the Department supporting borrowers free of charge. The letter also references S. 1153, the “Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019,” which became law in December 2020 “to help protect against fraud and improper use of access devices.” Chairwoman Foxx’s letter requests additional information on more recent actions the USED has taken to support borrowers against scams and information on guidance required as part of S. 1153.

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Foxx and Committee Member Steel introduce bill to deter foreign adversaries’ influence on postsecondary education: On October 11, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Committee Member Michelle Steel (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5933, the “Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act.” According to the authors, the bill is designed to bring “much-needed transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities across the nation.” Chairwoman Foxx and Rep. Steel also noted that, “Postsecondary education in America has been compromised. Malignant foreign entities, like the Chinese Communist Party, have taken root at colleges and universities by simply flashing their checkbooks…The DETERRENT Act is our prescription to unleash accountability, transparency, and much-needed clarity into a system that has allowed foreign actors to entice well-meaning institutions and boldly partner with other shameless institutions to work against the interests of the American people.” Additionally, the press release for the bill notes that it “is the first in a series of bills to reform the Higher Education Act.” A fact sheet on the legislation is here, bill text is here, and a bill summary is here.

U.S. Courts:

Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) sues the United States Naval Academy over its admissions practices: On October 5, SFFA filed a lawsuit against the United States Naval Academy over its admissions practices, arguing that the Naval Academy has “no justification for using race-based admissions.” The lawsuit comes weeks after the group sued the United States Military Academy at West Point in September for similar reasons. SFFA writes in the suit that, “Instead of admitting midshipmen solely on leadership potential and objective metrics—the Academy stopped requiring applicants to submit standardized scores three years ago—the Academy focuses on race.” Citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in SFFA v. Harvard/UNC, SFFA writes that, “Those admissions are unconstitutional for all other public institutions of higher education.” In the SFFA v. Harvard/UNC opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, a footnote stated, “The United States as amicus curiae contends that race-based admissions programs further compelling interests at our Nation’s military academies. No military academy is a party to these cases, however, and none of the courts below addressed the propriety of race-based admissions systems in that context. This opinion also does not address the issue, in light of the potentially distinct interests that military academies may present.”

Upcoming Events (Congress & Administration):

• On October 25 at 10:00 a.m., the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing titled, “Educational Freedom and Opportunity for American Families, Students, and Workers.” Witnesses have not yet been announced. More information is here.
• On October 25 at 2:00 p.m., the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will hold a hearing titled, “The Power of Apprenticeships: Faster, Better Paths to Prosperous Jobs and Less Waste in Higher Education.” Witnesses include: Dr. Paul Winfree, President & CEO at the Economic Policy Innovation Center; Erin Davis Valdez, Policy Director at Next Generation Texas; Dr. Casey K. Sacks, President at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College; and Tony Ewing, President of Advanced Fixtures, Inc. More information is here.
• On October 26-27, the USED will host a convening to promote educator diversity titled, “Conference on Equity in Opportunity,” in Denver, CO. The convening aims to “bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy leaders to discuss priorities for a diverse workforce in education.” The conference will also support leaders in identifying challenges in developing a diverse workforce and highlight promising practices and available grant funding. More information is here.
• On October 26-27, the USED will hold a meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission (PAC) on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. The agenda includes a discussion of the PAC's function and mission; a discussion of the PAC's strategic priorities; panels by subject matter experts; student performances; and a group discussion. More information is here.
• On October 27, the USED will host a second convening on educator diversity titled, “Powered by Teach to Lead Summit,” in Denver, CO. The convening is part of a series of “Teach to Lead” summits being hosted by the USED, during which teams of educators collaborate to develop approaches to investing in diverse teacher pipelines. More information is here.
• From November 28 to December 1, the USED Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will host its annual 2023 FSA Training Conference. More information and registration are here.

Upcoming Events (Outside Organizations):

• From October 23-24, the American Bar Association (ABA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council will hold its virtual 2023 ABA Equity Summit. Sessions during the summit include, “Lawyers in Drag and Anti-Drag Legislation,” “Disability Justice: Path Towards True Equity and Inclusion,” and “Free Speech on Campus: The First Amendment Does Not Give Protesters a Heckler's Veto,” among others. More information and registration are here.
• On October 24 at 2:00 p.m., FutureEd will host a webinar titled, “Taking the Science of Reading to Scale.” State and local education leaders will discuss implementation of new “science of reading” laws, including how states and districts are retraining teachers, revamping curricula, and screening students. Speakers will include: Lynn Olson, FutureEd Senior Fellow; Penny Schwinn, Former Tennessee Commissioner of Education; Kiffany Pride and Karli Saracini, Arkansas state education leaders; and Mary Bussman, principal on special assignment, for Roseville Area Schools, Minnesota. More information is here and registration is here.
• On October 24 at 4:00 p.m., the Fordham Institute will host an in-person discussion titled, “Race, Class, and Excellence Gaps: How to bridge persistent divides in advanced education.” Following the recent publication of a report titled, “Excellence Gaps by Race and Socioeconomic Status,” the event will consider how disparities in advanced academic performance between student groups have important implications for both academic equity and American economic competitiveness. Report author Meredith Coffey will summarize the report’s findings, including key implications for educators and policymakers looking to address these disparities. More information and registration are here.
• On October 24 at 5:45 p.m., the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will hold a hybrid event titled, “Can the Left and Right Learn Together? A Conversation on “Purposive Pluralism” with Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels.” The conversation with President Daniels will explore how universities can help young people from diverse backgrounds learn to work together as citizens in our democratic republic. Jenna Silber Storey, Senior Fellow at AEI, will host the event. More information and registration are here.

Publications (Congress & Administration):

• On October 17, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) published new findings from its School Pulse Panel. Recently, the School Pulse Panel has collected data “on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from a national sample of elementary, middle, high, and combined-grade public schools.” The data found that in the 2023-2024 school year, 45% of public schools reported feeling that they are understaffed, a decrease from the 53% who reported feeling understaffed last year. Additionally, 66% of public schools reported their biggest challenge in hiring teachers is a lack of qualified candidates. Specifically, hiring general elementary and special education teachers remained a challenge in comparison to last school year. The findings also highlighted the increase in public schools implementing a “community school” model, increased to 60% from 45% last year. Those schools cite using this model for mental health services and nutrition and food services.
• On October 16, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a new report titled, “Better Planning Could Help DOD Schools Implement Changes to Standardized Testing.” The GAO studied the amount of time Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) students spend on standardized tests, as well as how this compares to selected public schools. Findings show that in the 2022-2023 school year, seven of the eight DODEA districts chose to administer additional standardized tests on top of those required through the Department’s required Comprehensive Assessment System. These additional tests resulted in DODEA students spending more time - roughly eight additional days - testing than students in nine selected public school districts. The GAO recommended that the DODEA's implementation plan for the tests comports with leading project management practices by including information about how progress will be tracked and reviewed and how stakeholders will be involved.

Publications (Outside Organizations):

• On October 10, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) published a new report titled, “In Search of Scapegoats: The GOP’s Failed Scheme to Blame the American Federation of Teachers for School Closures During the Pandemic.” The report was written following requests and hearings on the topic from the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The introduction to the report asserts that though the work of the Select Subcommittee was to investigate “nine worthy and important issues” related to the COVID-19 pandemic, “its work has devolved and deteriorated into an extended effort by the Select Subcommittee’s Republican-led Majority to demonize and scapegoat educators and their unions—including most notably, the AFT and its president, Randi Weingarten.” The report also includes information “refut[ing] the false and incendiary claims that the AFT’s goals were, at any time, anything other than the safe reopening of schools for in-person learning.”
• On October 10, Gallup and Amazon published a new report titled, “Role Models Matter: How Role Models Influence Career Awareness and Attainment.” The report shows findings from a survey of 3,792 early- and mid-career adults aged 18 to 40, examining “working Americans’ middle and high school exposure to career education and role models and how it affected their chosen career paths.” Key findings indicate that 60% of respondents received little to no career education in middle and high school, and 38% of young adults from lower-income backgrounds say there was no one in their life who taught them how to be successful. Additionally, 82% of young adults whose childhood role model had similar life experiences say that their role model helped them to believe in themselves.
• On October 12, the AFT and ParentsTogether published a new report titled, “Nation’s Teachers and Parents Overwhelmingly Embrace Education Technology in Classrooms but Want Guardrails in Place.” The report shows findings from the Surveys of Teachers and Parents on Educational Technology which indicated that 71% of teachers use educational technology in lesson planning and preparation, and 65% use technology during whole-class instruction. Additionally, findings showed that 76% of surveyed parents have favorable views toward how technology is being used to facilitate teaching and learning, and 66% of teachers believe education technology has a positive impact on their students’ learning.
• On October 17, the National Parents Union published new survey results titled, “Parents See Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Learning but Uncertainty Persists.” Surveying 1,515 parents of public school students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, only 16% of parents felt as though they have a detailed understanding of AI, and 41% say they know a little general information about AI. Additionally, 62% of parents indicated they had heard little to nothing about how AI tools work and how they could be applied in education. More than half of parents indicated a favorable view of teachers using AI tools to generate worksheets or other assignments.
• On October 17, the Data Quality Campaign (DQC) published a new report titled, “Education and Workforce Data Legislation Review: What Happened in 2023?” The report highlights findings from state legislation that governs the collection and use of education and workforce data. The report found that in 2023, 269 data-related bills were introduced across 44 states and the District of Columbia, 72 of which were signed into law in 26 states and D.C. DQC emphasized that cross-agency data governance is the most important step that states must take to make robust access to data possible, and three states - Alabama, Montana, and Rhode Island - passed cross-agency governance laws that will allow for increased data transparency. The report also noted that five states increased funding to their state longitudinal data systems, and three new data privacy laws passed to mandate safeguards for student data.

Legislation:

Introduced in the House of Representatives:

H.R. 5581
A bill to amend the Social Security Act to authorize grants for demonstration projects to support mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period by increasing access to short-term child care, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA)

H.R. 5769
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies to establish “Family Friendly School” policies at 500 elementary schools that align the school day with the work day to better support working families and to disseminate the learnings from these model schools so that other local educational agencies may adopt these practices, and to establish a supplemental 21st century community learning centers grant program to support programs and activities during summer recess when school is not in session.

Sponsor: Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY)

H.R. 5825
A bill to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to require eligible recipients of certain grants to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy that directly or indirectly increases the accessibility of affordable, quality care-based services, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA)

H.R. 5895
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)

H.R. 5896
A bill to award a congressional gold medal to the United Negro College Fund, Inc. and the 2 institutions that make up its membership on the occasion of its 80th year of existence.

Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)

H.R. 5902
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require staff and faculty to report foreign gifts and contracts.

Sponsor: Rep. John James (R-MI)

H.R. 5914
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes to approve programs of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)

H.R. 5928
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)

H.R. 5933

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional information in disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts from foreign sources, restrict contracts with certain foreign entities and foreign countries of concern, require certain staff and faculty to report foreign gifts and contracts, and require disclosure of certain foreign investments within endowments.

Sponsor: Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA)

H.R. 5936
A bill to require institutions of higher education to designate at least one employee to coordinate compliance with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA)

H.R. 5953
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the earned income and child tax credits, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH)

H.R. 5956
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide additional information about certain postsecondary educational institutions to individuals entitled to educational assistance under the laws administered by such Secretary.

Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA)

H.R. 5970
A bill to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to carry out supplemental nutrition assistance programs.

Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO)

H.R. 5987
A bill to amend the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to strengthen adult education.

Sponsor: Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)

H.Res. 762
A resolution expressing support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Sponsor: Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA)

Introduced in the Senate:

S. 2938
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include child development and early learning as community services under the Federal work-study program, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

S. 3037
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow early childhood educators to take the educator expense deduction, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)

S. 3060
A bill to establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative in the National Institutes of Health for purposes of encouraging collaborative research to improve youth mental health.

Sponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

S. 3066
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the knowledge and skills of principals and school leaders regarding early childhood education.

Sponsor: Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)

S. 3072
A bill to modify the program of grants to support high-quality charter schools.

Sponsor: Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)

S. 3075
A bill to amend the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to strengthen adult education.

Sponsor: Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)

S. 3078
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education that authorize Anti-Semitic events on campus from participating in the student loan and grant programs under title IV of such Act.

Sponsor: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)