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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...
Education
Biden-Harris Administration Launches New National Recognition Program for Institutions Focused on Economic Mobility
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...
Education
Illinois’s Mario Diaz Albarran Named 2024 ‘Recognizing Inspiring School Employees’ (RISE) Honoree
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...
Education
U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Regulations, Providing Vital Protections Against Sex Discrimination
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...
Education
Biden-Harris Administration Opens New Path for Incarcerated Borrowers to Exit Default
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...
Education
More than 4200 book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023
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.
Education
Center for American Progress analysis shows state governors have taken notice of the nation's child care crisis
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).
Education
Department of Education notifies schools of potential discrimination against Muslim and Palestine students
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.
Education
Liberty University fined $14 million for not disclosing sexual assault information
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.
Education
Upper Columbia River area found to be contaminated with lead
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.
Education
Department of Education announces grants to increase services for students
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.
Education
Expiration of ESSER funding will create fiscal cliff for school districts, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities paper warns
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.
Education
Department of Education revises guidelines to help preschool programs
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has published a list of resources for local and state agencies to effectively utilize Title I funds. This initiative is expected to bolster childhood programs such as Head Start.
Education
Department of Education announces it has canceled over $1.2 billion in student debt
The Biden administration has canceled a total of $1.2 billion in student debt as part of efforts to bolster the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This initiative is set to impact over 150,000 borrowers and aims to build upon previous loan forgiveness measures that have resulted in $138 billion in student debt cancellation for nearly 3.9 million borrowers.
Education
US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona: 'FAFSA is personal for me'
The U.S. Department of Education has reported the acceptance of over 3.1 million Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms since the unveiling of the redesigned application for the 2024–25 academic year, which took place just before the end of 2024. In January, it was reported that one million FAFSA forms had already been submitted.
Education
American Bankers Association kicks off 2024 financial education campaign
The American Bankers Association Foundation has launched its 2024 campaign aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of Americans. The foundation plans to implement this campaign by leveraging the expertise and workforce of thousands of employees from hundreds of banks across the nation, as it did in 2023.
Education
EDU Secretary: 'Another $4.9 billion in student debt relief that helps people who are making their communities better'
U.S. Department of Education (EDU) Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed his confidence that the Biden administration's decision to forgive nearly $5 billion for an additional 74,000 student loan borrowers will significantly impact their lives. He further stated that the administration remains committed to pursuing further loan forgiveness.
Education
School Nutrition Association survey reveals challenges faced by school meal programs
A recent survey conducted by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) reveals that school meal programs are grappling with funding, procurement, and regulatory challenges. The key findings of the survey were included in a position paper submitted to Congress by SNA, requesting an increase in funding, preservation of effective nutrition standards, and assurance of access to healthy meals for all students.
Education
Harris: 'Gun violence is the number one cause of death for children in America'
The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) has announced the allocation of approximately $6.4 million to seven school districts across the country, as part of an initiative led by Vice President Kamala Harris aimed at mitigating community violence.
Education
School infrastructure projects to get $47 million boost to provide healthy environments
The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) has unveiled a $47 million grant aimed at bolstering infrastructure within the nation's school systems. The initiative seeks to enhance school facilities, thereby creating conducive learning environments for all students.
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