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?

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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.

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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.

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Ten years ago, the policy landscape for digital learning was uncertain. Many educators and the public had yet to realize the potential that technology could have to close equity gaps and personalize instruction for students.

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.

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Dr. Miguel Cardona’s confirmation process and coronavirus aid move forward on Capitol Hill, and the administration releases new guidance on school reopening.

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, equipping each student with a personal laptop or other computing device is no longer revolutionary—it’s a necessity. As virus cases continue to climb, students rely on their district-issued devices to learn remotely and in hybrid classrooms.  

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.

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In today’s Federal Flash we cover the latest actions and proposals from the White House, appointments to the new administration, and legislation on learning loss and more on Capitol Hill.

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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.

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