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: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

In All4Ed’s final Federal Flash of the year, we’ll provide a summary of the COVID-19 relief bill and the U.S. Department of Education’s funding for 2021. We’ll also discuss the likely nominee for the position of Secretary of Education. 

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

Subscribe: Android | 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: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

As school districts nationwide struggle to educate their students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut has found its stride. This fall, the district successfully implemented a hybrid learning approach that provides its 4,600 students a mix of in-person and remote instruction. It hasn’t been easy, admits Superintendent Michael Conner, EdD. But through the hard work and dedication of Middletown’s innovative educators and school staff, the district has avoided the “cataclysmic learning loss” predicted nationally, he says. In fact, Middletown’s students are performing better in English language arts than they were one year ago and have experienced only minor learning loss in math, Conner says. Those results are significant in a district where half of the students come from historically underserved populations.

What is the secret to Middletown’s success?

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: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

Now, more than ever, digital learning is no longer confined to a school or classroom. Instead, learning is mobile and should be available to students anytime and anywhere. As we prepare for Digital Learning Day’s (DLDay’s) tenth birthday on February 25, 2021, the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed) invites educators to join our Future Ready Schools^® (FRS) DLDay network because together we’re better, together we’re future ready.  

New Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) findings were released, but the U.S. Department of Education (ED) isn’t talking about what the data means for students of color. Plus, Senate Republicans fail to pass their “skinny” COVID-19 stimulus package as a more comprehensive deal eludes the White House and House Democrats. With prospects for an agreement prior to the election fading, will schools ever get the relief they need?

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

Subscribe: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety were rising among today’s students. But after months of school closures and social distancing, indicators of students’ overall health and well-being have suffered even further. In fact, findings from a survey of students by America’s Promise Alliance “suggest that students are experiencing a collective trauma [during the pandemic] and that they and their families would benefit from immediate and ongoing support.”  

Last week, House Democrats brought a new version of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act to the table that dedicated more funding for education and home internet. But President Trump sidelined the negotiations, declaring that he will not agree to a full relief package until after the presidential election.

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

Subscribe: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

House Democrats bring a new Health and Emergency Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act to the table, with a lower overall price tag but more dedicated funding for education and home internet. Congress and the White House agree to a temporary stopgap to keep the government open through mid-December—including good news for advocates working to prevent child hunger during the pandemic.

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

Subscribe: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS