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Federal Education Policy

The election of Joe Biden to the presidency opens the door to changes in federal education policy that could affect California’s schools, institutions of higher education and students in a number of ways, ranging from federal stimulus funding to schools and colleges to how student loans are handled to oversight of for-profit colleges and more.

Coronavirus
January 26, 2021

In his own words: President Biden on 'making it safe to get kids back to school'

Biden addressed the issue on Jan. 26 in his first press conference since becoming president.

EdSource Staff
Federal Education Policy
January 20, 2021

In inaugural address, Biden says it is possible to teach children ‘in safe schools’

New president will issue executive orders on DACA, student loans and immigration enforcement on his first day in office; more ambitious proposals will have to wait for Congressional approval.

Louis Freedberg
Federal Education Policy
January 19, 2021

San Diego superintendent will bring years of teaching to deputy education secretary post 

President-elect Biden nominates San Diego Unified’s Cindy Marten, who taught for 17 years, to fill number two slot at the U.S. Department of Education.

Louis Freedberg
Federal Education Policy
January 15, 2021

Searchable database: How much will colleges and universities get in new round of Covid-19 funds?

Covid-19 relief funds approved in December will deliver $21.2 billion to the nation's colleges and universities. More than $2.83 billion of that total will go to California institutions.

Ashley A. Smith And Daniel J. Willis
Coronavirus
December 27, 2020

California school districts, charter schools to get $6.8 billion, in varying amounts, of federal aid

California will get about one-eighth of the $54 billion Congress appropriated in coronavirus aid for K-12 schools.

John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis
Elections and Education
November 24, 2020

Biden’s nominee for homeland security chief likely to change immigration policies affecting children and youth

Alejandro Mayorkas’ background as a refugee from Cuba shapes his views on immigration policies.

Louis Freedberg
College & Careers
November 10, 2020

Community colleges find an advocate in future First Lady Jill Biden

When she moves into the White House, Jill Biden will make history as the first First Lady to hold a job outside the White House — as a community college English professor.

Ashley A. Smith
Federal Education Policy
November 8, 2020

Linda Darling-Hammond removes herself from possible consideration as Secretary of Education

President of State Board of Education says taking on top job in Washington would undermine ability to achieve education goals in California.

Louis Freedberg
Federal Education Policy
November 7, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden’s expansive education agenda expected to draw greater scrutiny

With Senate likely to remain in GOP hands, it is not clear how much of his detailed pro-teacher agenda, with a heavy emphasis on community colleges and affordability, could be implemented.

Louis Freedberg
Federal Education Policy
November 3, 2020

Biden’s exhaustive education agenda — and Trump’s skimpy one — get short shrift during long campaign

Focus on Donald Trump and pandemic meant that Biden’s many education proposals got little airing during the campaign.

Louis Freedberg
Commentary
November 2, 2020

Tuition-free college is critical to our economy

Research shows that the private and public economic benefit of free college tuition would outweigh the cost.

Morley Winograd and Max Lubin
Federal Education Policy
August 31, 2020

USDA allows school districts to resume serving free grab-and-go meals through 2020

The US Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it will allow schools to offer free grab-and-go meals to any student, regardless of eligibility, as they did over the summer.

Ali Tadayon
Commentary
August 17, 2020

Federal government must ensure schools have funds to re-open safely

Districts have incurred many new costs as a result of the pandemic and face budget deferrals and cuts as a result of the financial crisis.

Jenny Fitzgerald
Commentary
July 22, 2020

Budget deferrals today could force schools into a $23 billion hole next year

Do not be lulled into the mistaken idea that schools have been protected from cuts by the state budget solutions adopted last month.

Robert Manwaring
Analysis
July 14, 2020

Local control of schools defeats Trump efforts to bring students back to class

Despite threats from President Trump and Betsy DeVos to cut off federal funding, growing number of districts in California say they will open in fall offering mostly distance learning

Louis Freedberg