What’s Happening in Washington
A summary of recent federal policy actions and a look ahead to the coming weeks
It’s back to school for students and teachers and back to work for members of Congress after taking their August Recess. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy over the summer and what’s in store for the Fall.
Appropriations: The Senate Appropriations Labor-H Subcommittee approved their version of the FY2025 bill on August 1st. This bill provides $80 billion for the Department of Education to make critical investments in Title I, IDEA, Statewide Family Engagement Centers, CTE, Full-Service Community Schools, FASFA implementation, and increases to the Pell Grant.
Back to School Bus Tour: On Tuesday, September 3rd, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona kicked off the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour with stops in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. During the tour, Secretary Cardona highlighted the investments the Biden-Harris Administration has made to support the Raise the Bar initiative, including Full-Service Community Schools.
FAFSA and Student Loans: In the aftermath of the challenges posed by the implementation of the new FAFSA form in 2024, the U.S. Department of Education announced a new process for launching the 2025-2026 FAFSA form, which will include testing and listening sessions from students, and families. The new FAFSA form is scheduled for release on or before December 1, 2024. Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to face legal challenges in its effort to forgive student loan debt. On September 3rd, seven states sued the Administration to stop the cancellation of over $73 million worth of student loans. This lawsuit comes on the heels of the Supreme Court denial of the Biden Administration’s effort to provide debt relief for millions of borrowers.
Title IX: 26 states are suing the U.S. Department of Education to stop the implementation of the new updates to Title IX, which expand the law to offer protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
IEL Policy Highlights
IEL and the Coalition for Community Schools kicked off the new school by launching the 8th Annual Community Schools Coordinators Appreciate Week Toolkit and leading a Sign on Letter to fund Community Schools at $150 million in FY25. We signed onto several letters to Congress supporting the continuation or increase in funding for key education programs, including teacher preparation programs, maintaining the Farm Bill, and limiting cuts to non-defense discretionary spending.
Events & Resources
Webinars and Capacity Building Events
- Seat at the Table: How Can We ‘Disagree Better?’ A Roadmap for Educators on September 12 at 2:00 pm ET. Hosted by FutureEd
- A Report Card on the College Remedial-Ed Reform Movement on September 17 at 2:00 pm ET. Hosted by FutureEd and HEA Group
- Leadership for Sustainability: Superintendents Making a Difference on September 25 at 3:00 pm ET. Hosted by Attendance Works
- Family Engagement: The Foundation for a Strong School Year on September 26 at 2:00 pm ET. Hosted by the National Parent Teacher Association
- Free IEL Webinar: Understanding Policy Solutions to Address Chronic Absenteeism on October 9 at 2:00 pm ET. Register now to save your spot!
New Research, Reports, and Analysis
- A Vision for Equitable Pathways: Enhancing Support and Innovation in College and Career Counseling by EdTrust and All4Ed
- Essential Reading for Educators: Back-to-School 2024 Edition by EdWeek
- Does More Money Matter to Teachers? It’s not a Simple Yes or No Question by the 74
- 2023 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau
- Toolkit: Engaging Your Corporate Volunteers in Student Support Roles by The National Partnership for Student Success
- The State of Teaching by EducationWeek
- Free IEL Resource: Community Schools Coordinators Appreciation Week Toolkit by the Coalition for Community Schools