Marking his first 100 days in office, President Biden unveiled the American Families Plan, which would extend free public education by four years through universal pre-K and free community college. It also invests in college access and affordability, training and diversifying the educator workforce, and school nutrition programs. Plus, all the details on the new application and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to support states in spending funds under the American Rescue Plan equitably, including millions to support youth experiencing homelessness.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

President Biden released a preview of his proposed federal budget for the 2022 fiscal year, which includes $20 billion in new funding for Title I, $2.6 billion to support students with disabilities, and another $1 billion in new funding for students’ social and emotional wellbeing. It also increases Pell Grants and expands Pell eligibility to DACA recipients. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education made another round of waiver decisions related to state assessments, published guidance for educators and administrators in its second COVID-19 handbook, and opened a review of Title IX regulations finalized by the Trump administration.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

President Biden released his American Jobs Plan, which includes investments in school construction and modernization, childcare facilities, community colleges, and broadband infrastructure. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education issued a first batch of waiver decisions to states related to statewide testing requirements, and the House of Representatives held a hearing on charting a path toward equity in education following the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, graduation rates reach an all-time high nationally, with the greatest gains among students with disabilities. But will the pandemic wipe out states’ progress?

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) convened the National Safe School Reopening Summit to share strategies and guidance to help schools return to in-person instruction quickly and safely. Also, President Biden announced $81 billion in education relief funds is already on its way to states as new, national survey data shows that millions of students only attend school remotely and receive little live instruction. Plus, the public comment period on new E-rate funding is open, and the Senate held its confirmation hearing for Cindy Marten to be the deputy secretary of education.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act is headed to President Biden’s desk, including much-needed investments in K–12 education and a groundbreaking change to the federal child tax credit. Plus, President Biden issued a new executive order guarding against discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture takes steps to provide free school meals for all students through the end of summer.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) waives accountability requirements, but questions remain on whether state assessments will go forward as planned this year. Plus, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launches the biggest federal program ever to close the digital divide, the House advances President Biden’s plan for COVID-19 relief, and Dr. Miguel Cardona is officially the new Secretary of Education.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Dr. Miguel Cardona sails through his confirmation hearing to be the next U.S. Secretary of Education, Congress begins the process to pass President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, and the House removes Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) from the education committee.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos resigns in the wake of insurrection at the U.S. Capitol fueled by President Trump’s false claims of electoral fraud. On this week’s Federal Flash, we’ll look back at her controversial legacy and look ahead to how Democrats’ wins in the Georgia Senate races will affect education in the new Congress and new administration in 2021.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Congress is close to a deal that will fund the U.S. Department of Education (ED), keep the federal government open, and provide additional resources to address COVID-19. Plus, on the fifth anniversary of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) being signed into law, the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed) released new data showing what happens to historically underserved students When Equity Is Optional for states.

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be the next president and vice president of the United States. Meanwhile, Republicans gained ground in the House of Representatives and are favored to hang onto their Senate majority, but it is unclear who will replace retiring Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in leading the education committee. Today, we break down what the 2020 election results mean for students and schools, including new stimulus funding and priorities for the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Podcast (flash-cast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS