{"id":19360,"date":"2024-10-25T16:17:50","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T22:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/?p=19360"},"modified":"2024-10-25T16:17:50","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T22:17:50","slug":"ed-review-10-25-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/2024\/10\/25\/ed-review-10-25-24\/","title":{"rendered":"ED Review (10\/25\/24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS IN ATLANTA<\/b><\/p>\n

On October 17, Secretary Cardona traveled to Metro Atlanta<\/a>, where he held a press conference at Atlanta City Hall to announce a significant milestone for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and participated in a roundtable discussion at Five Forks Middle School in Gwinnett County to uplift additional mental health supports in schools.<\/p>\n

At the press conference, joined by members of the\u00a0Atlanta Mayor\u2019s Office<\/a>\u00a0and other Atlanta recipients of PSLF, the Secretary announced the approval of approximately $4.5 billion in further student loan relief for more than 60,000 borrowers across the country who work in public service.\u00a0 This relief, the result of substantial fixes that the Administration has made to the PSLF Program, brings the total loan forgiveness approved by the Administration to over $175 million for more than 4.8 million borrowers, which includes $74 billion for more than one million borrowers through PSLF.\u00a0 Before President Biden took office, only 7,000 public servants had ever received debt relief through PSLF (press release, with state-by-state information<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0photos<\/a>).<\/p>\n

President Biden issued a\u00a0statement<\/a>\u00a0on the action, and the White House released a\u00a0fact sheet<\/a>\u00a0and shared a\u00a0testimonial video<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To encourage more public servants to take advantage of the PSLF Program, the Secretary also sent a\u00a0letter to governors and mayors<\/a>, and a number of public sector unions are amplifying the announcement through member-to-member outreach, social media campaigns, and more.<\/p>\n

Later, at the school roundtable discussion with\u00a0Congresswoman Lucy McBath<\/a>, the Secretary announced 69 School-Based Mental Health Services and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration grants, totaling some $70 million nationwide.\u00a0 These awards, bolstered under the\u00a0Bipartisan Safer Communities Act<\/i>\u00a0(BSCA), are projected to help train and hire 4,000 mental health professionals to support students.\u00a0 Gwinnett County is a recipient of both types of grants and will receive $19 million over the next five years (press release<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0photos<\/a>).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IMPROVING THE FAFSA EXPERIENCE<\/b><\/p>\n

The latest 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA\u00ae) testing period,\u00a0Beta 2<\/a>, began on October 15.\u00a0 Recruited by 16 community-based organizations (CBOs), high schools, colleges and universities, and government entities, thousands of students — including returning students, first-generation college students, and students from mixed-status families — are completing FAFSA forms, and the Department is processing Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and sending them to schools and state agencies.\u00a0 This testing allows the agency to maximize a positive user experience by identifying and resolving errors that could impact students, contributors, and institutions before the form becomes available to all students and contributors on or before December 1.<\/p>\n

During the initial (Beta 1<\/a>) stage of testing, thanks to the help of six CBOs, more than 650 students successfully submitted the FAFSA form, and the Department processed 6,266 ISIRs, sending them<\/p>\n

to 586 unique institutions.\u00a0 Dozens of student form corrections were made.\u00a0 The agency did not uncover any critical bugs.<\/p>\n

Beta 2 will continue through the end of the month.\u00a0 The remaining stages of testing are Beta 3, beginning in early November, and Beta 4, beginning in mid-November.\u00a0 In each stage, various organizations will recruit a growing number of students to complete the FAFSA form.\u00a0 Later beta stages will include tens of thousands of students.\u00a0 Institutions will also download ISIRs into their financial aid systems and test them to make sure that FAFSA processing is working properly.<\/p>\n

The Department is committed to sharing information about the testing with all stakeholders.\u00a0 Visit\u00a0fafsa.gov\/beta<\/a>\u00a0for regular updates.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, new\u00a0Department data<\/a>\u00a0indicates that 3% more students are poised to receive federal aid this year, compared to last year at this time, and 10% more students are on track to receive Pell Grants, including 3% more high school seniors.\u00a0 As the agency continues to improve the FAFSA, many two- and four-year colleges are reporting enrollment increases this fall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SAVE PLAN UPDATE<\/b><\/p>\n

Pending further legal developments, the eight million borrowers already enrolled in the\u00a0Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan<\/a>, as well as anyone who has applied for the plan, should expect to remain in an interest-free forbearance for six month or longer as the Department re-programs its systems.\u00a0 Forgiveness, as a feature of any income-driven repayment (IDR) plan created by the agency, is currently enjoined, so those who reach their plan\u2019s repayment milestone — that is, 25 years on any IDR plan or 20 years for undergraduate-only borrowers in select IDR plans — will be moved into an interest-free forbearance.\u00a0 The Department and its servicers will resume processing applications for some IDR plans and have reinstated a simplified version of the online IDR application to support enrollment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RECOGNIZING EDUCATORS<\/b><\/p>\n

Last week, Secretary Cardona announced the 2024 recipients of the\u00a0Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership<\/a>.\u00a0 Named for the second U.S. Secretary of Education, this award recognizes principals who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people\u2019s lives.\u00a0 Part of the\u00a0National Blue Ribbon Schools Program<\/a>, principals are nominated by their school communities during final stages of the application process and will be celebrated during the program\u2019s awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. (infographic<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0profiles<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Apply<\/a>\u00a0now for the Department\u2019s 2025-26\u00a0School Ambassador Fellowship Program<\/a>.\u00a0 This program enables outstanding teachers, principals, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other school-based professionals interacting with students on a daily basis to bring their expertise to the Department and expand their knowledge of the national dialogue on education.\u00a0 In turn, fellows facilitate the learning and input of other educators and community members.\u00a0 As in previous years, applicants may choose to apply as Full-Time Fellows — take a leave of absence from their local districts and support the Department\u2019s efforts remotely on a daily basis — or as Part-Time Fellows — continue serving in their local districts while working with the agency up to 10 hours a week.\u00a0 The application closes January 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.\u00a0 (Note: On November 12, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET, the program office will conduct a virtual informational and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants \u2013\u00a0pre-registration<\/a>\u00a0is required.)<\/p>\n

Additionally, nominations are currently open (through February 6, 2025) for the\u00a0Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WRAPPING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH<\/b><\/p>\n

Earlier this month, the Department hosted the\u00a0Education in Action Summit<\/a>,\u00a0a day of professional learning celebrating Latinidad, Latino educators, Hispanic culture, and Latino-related achievements of the Administration and the agency.\u00a0 The event brought together key Latino celebrities and influencers who are using their platforms to advocate for their communities.\u00a0 It also showcased some amazing student performances (video<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0photos<\/a>).<\/p>\n

That same day, Secretary Cardona issued a\u00a0Dear Colleague Letter<\/a>\u00a0on President Biden\u2019s\u00a0Executive Order<\/a>creating the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and a President\u2019s Board of Advisors on HSIs.<\/p>\n

And, the Department released a\u00a0fact sheet, with state-by-state information<\/a>\u00a0on over $16 billion in support for HSIs.<\/p>\n

Also, Secretary Cardona joined fellow Latino Cabinet members from the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security and the Small Business Administration to\u00a0discuss their journeys<\/a>to the White House.<\/p>\n

Moreover,\u00a0Latino staff members<\/a>throughout the Biden Administration met with Secretary Cardona and Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ODDS AND ENDS<\/b><\/p>\n

Following Hurricane Helene\u2019s devasting impacts across the Southeast and Appalachia, the Biden Administration continues its robust, whole-of-government efforts to help communities recover and rebuild (White House fact sheets\u00a01<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a02<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Department\u2019s Office of Educational Technology (OET) released \u201cEmpowering Education Leaders: A Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration<\/a>,\u201d a new resource designed to support school leaders as they plan to leverage Artificial Intelligence\u2019s benefits for teaching and learning while managing its risks (Homeroom blog<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Department\u2019s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) submitted to the\u00a0Federal Register<\/i><\/a>\u00a0a Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC)\u00a0Information Collection Request<\/a>\u00a0(ICR) for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Want to deepen family-school engagement and be a school parent superhero?\u00a0 Start with these\u00a0five tips<\/a>based on research and conversations with families nationwide.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0application<\/a>\u00a0for the second year of the\u00a0Engage Every Student Recognition Program<\/a>, spotlighting non-profit organizations, school districts, and local governments working together to engage students in high-quality after-school and summer learning,\u00a0is live!<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Department\u2019s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCATE) launched a $1 million\u00a0Career and Technical Education (CTE) CHIPS Challenge<\/a>, seeking to expand student recruitment, training, and placement strategies in high-paying semiconductor fabrication construction and advanced manufacturing centers.\u00a0 Details, including how to apply, are available at\u00a0CTEChipsChallenge.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Flagging<\/a>\u00a0that the Department is required to report any missing or late federal student loan payments to the national credit reporting agencies in January 2025, and such loans will enter default — triggering mandatory collections and other consequences — in late 2025.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0NEA\u00a0Big Read<\/a>, established in 2016,\u00a0supports Americans reading and discussing a single book in their communities.\u00a0 Local governments, libraries, school districts, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to\u00a0apply<\/a>\u00a0for matching grants of up to $20,000 to be awarded for programming occurring between September 2025 and June 2026.\u00a0 Besides funding, communities receive resources, including reader\u2019s guides, teacher\u2019s guides, and audio guides with commentary from artists, educators, and public figures, as well as publicity materials.\u00a0 For this new cycle, communities will choose from\u00a022 titles<\/a>.\u00a0 The application deadline is January 23, 2025.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

QUOTE TO NOTE<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cToday, I encourage you to ask someone why they became an educator.\u00a0 Or a social worker.\u00a0 Or a prosecutor, like our Vice President.\u00a0 I guarantee not one will say they wanted to get rich.\u00a0 Instead, you\u2019ll hear this: \u2018I wanted to make a difference.\u00a0 I wanted to service my community.\u2019\u00a0 That is what I\u2019ve learned from the public servants in my own personal life.\u00a0 My Dad, a police force veteran of 32 years.\u00a0 My brother, a lieutenant in my hometown.\u00a0 My sister, a public school social worker.\u00a0 My wife, a college-to-career advisor in our public school system.\u00a0 Today, I\u2019m thinking about them — and all the public servants I\u2019ve met while traveling this country\u2026.\u00a0 Their hard work is why President Biden and Vice President Harris have been able to deliver student debt relief to nearly 4.8 million Americans — more than any administration in history.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (10\/21\/24), from\u00a0remarks<\/a>\u00a0on student loan forgiveness for over one million public servants<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/b><\/p>\n

All are welcome to join virtually the Supporting State Action to Advance the Education Professions\u2019 National Capstone Event on October 28.\u00a0 Among the sessions for this all-day convening are remarks by Secretary Cardona and presentations highlighting exemplar work to increase compensation, expand access to high-quality and affordable preparation, and bolster diversity in Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee.\u00a0 To receive the Zoom link, please\u00a0register<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss these additional webinars:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0On October 29, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET, join the Department, National Science Foundation, Future Farmers of America, and others for a\u00a0special webinar<\/a>\u00a0on how rural schools approach STEM education.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Next, on October 30, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET, join the second session in the webinar series \u201cBlending and Braiding: Strategies for Providing and Making It Easier to Access Services Across Federal Agencies<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Then, on October 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET, join the next Lessons from the Field session, focused on\u00a0promising strategies to prevent student harassment and bullying behavior<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Schools are encouraged to invite U.S. military veterans into their classrooms around\u00a0Veterans Day<\/a>\u00a0(November 11).\u00a0 Veterans can share their experiences and teach students lessons about the history and significance of the federal holiday, helping students reflect upon the importance of the ideals of liberty, freedom, and democracy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ANNOUNCEMENTS IN ATLANTA On October 17, Secretary Cardona traveled to Metro Atlanta, where he held a press conference at Atlanta City Hall to announce a significant milestone for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and participated in a roundtable discussion at Five Forks Middle School in Gwinnett County to uplift additional mental health supports […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,266],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-of-interest"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/93"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19360"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19360\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19361,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19360\/revisions\/19361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}