News and reports from the Department of Education.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has announced the completion of reprocessing 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) forms affected by known issues with IRS data, allowing institutions to now package financial aid offers. Additionally, applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) can now access and submit the online form immediately.U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, “It’s time for schools to package and send aid offers, and for all new and returning...

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressed gratitude for Richard Cordray's tenure as Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Education office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), as Cordray prepares to step down at the end of June.Cardona commended Cordray's efforts, stating, “We are grateful for Rich Cordray’s three years of service, in which he accomplished more transformational changes to the student aid system than any of his predecessors." Cordona highlighted Cordray's achievements in fixing the broken student loan system, including programs like Public...

The U.S. Department of Education has revealed the recipients of the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. A total of 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center from across the nation have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in reducing environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and providing effective sustainability education.According to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, "This year’s U.S. Department of...

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has concluded a compliance review at the Redlands Unified School District in California, resulting in a resolution agreement to address violations of Title IX related to responses to sexual assault and harassment of students.According to Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon, the district failed to adequately address reported incidents of sexual assault by both employees and students. Lhamon stated, "The Redlands Unified School District failed to fulfill its Title IX obligations to...

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced at the U.S. Department of Education’s Attaining College Excellence and Equity Summit the launch of a new Postsecondary Student Success Recognition Program. The program aims to recognize institutions of higher education that support students in completing affordable credentials that prepare them for success. The public has been invited to submit suggestions to the Department regarding this new initiative within a 30-day period.The initiative is part of the Department’s Raise the Bar campaign, which strives to increase...

Apr 23 2024U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced today that Mario Diaz Albarran, head custodian at Lincoln Elementary School in Palatine, Illinois, has been named the 2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) honoree. This prestigious award, established by Congress in 2019, aims to recognize the exceptional contributions of classified school employees to the quality of PreK-12 education in the United States.Secretary Cardona praised Diaz Albarran for his dedication and impact, stating, “I am thrilled to announce Mr. Mario Diaz Albarran as this...

The U.S. Department of Education has taken a significant step towards advancing educational equity and opportunity by releasing the Final Rule under Title IX, which aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The regulations, effective on Aug 1, 2024, are designed to provide vital protections against sex discrimination in schools.U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the importance of Title IX, stating, "For more than 50 years, Title IX has promised an equal opportunity to...

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has introduced a new avenue for incarcerated borrowers to exit default through loan consolidation, offering them a chance to enhance their credit and access better repayment options. This initiative allows borrowers with student loans prior to their incarceration to consolidate their loans and access income-driven repayment plans like the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the importance of this step, stating, "Every person deserves the opportunity to become the best...

In 2023, the American Library Association (ALA) documented a significant increase in the number of unique book titles targeted for censorship in public libraries and schools. The figure rose to 4,240 from 2,571 in 2022, marking a 65% spike and the highest number ever recorded by the ALA.

The child care industry in the U.S. is grappling with a crisis characterized by an underpaid and undervalued workforce, coupled with a shortage of service providers leading to the emergence of "child care deserts." State governors have recognized this issue and many are initiating measures to address it, as per research conducted by the Center for American Progress (CAP).

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a reminder to schools nationwide, urging them to be vigilant against discriminatory practices aimed at Muslim, Hindu, Palestinian and Arab students. This reminder was circulated in the form of a Dear Colleague Letter.

The U.S. Department of Education has imposed a $14 million fine on a Christian-based university for its failure to disclose information pertinent to sexual assault survivors and crime. The department has stated that this is the most significant violation of the Clery Act, legislation mandating that institutions of higher education publicize issues related to public safety.

The upper Columbia River site in northeast Washington is potentially on the path to be included in the National Priorities List (NPL). This would result in the river being added to a hazardous waste site list and qualifying for cleanup funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Program.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is launching an initiative to increase the number of mental health professionals available to students nationwide. The department is currently accepting applications for the School-Based Mental Health and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant, aiming to improve school-based mental health services.

The termination of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding in September 2024 could potentially lead to substantial budget deficits in numerous school districts across the country. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the COVID-era program may expire with unutilized funds.