FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
JUNE 16, 2015
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on House Republicans Proposing to Block Gainful Employment Regulations
“With students across the country reeling from the predatory behavior of failed and fraudulent ‘career’ colleges, it’s truly mind-boggling that House Republicans are still fighting tooth and nail to protect schools that take advantage of students and leave taxpayers with the bill. Make no mistake: a vote for this proposal is a vote to leave students in the dark and taxpayers holding the bag. Both deserve better.”
Showing posts with label SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DUNCAN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DUNCAN. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Thursday, May 8, 2014
EDUCATION SECRETARY ARNE DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON 12TH-GRADE READING, MATH RESULTS
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Statement by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on National Assessment of Educational Progress 12th-grade reading and math results
MAY 7, 2014
"Despite the highest high school graduation rate in our history, and despite growth in student achievement over time in elementary school and middle school, student achievement at the high school level has been flat in recent years. Just as troubling, achievement gaps among ethnic groups have not narrowed. We project that our nation's public schools will become majority-minority this fall—making it even more urgent to put renewed attention into the academic rigor and equity of course offerings and into efforts to redesign high schools. We must reject educational stagnation in our high schools, and as a nation, we must do better for all students, especially for African-American and Latino students."
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN'S REMARKS ON FRANKLIN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STABBINGS
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the Mass Stabbings at Franklin Regional High School in Pennsylvania
APRIL 9, 2014
"We are saddened by today's stabbings at Franklin Regional High School. Our thoughts go out to the injured students and staff, and their families, the other students and teachers at the school, and the Murrysville community at large. Tragedies that strike communities—whether it's an inner city school or in a suburban school in a quiet town—impact us all. When we send our children to school each day, we expect them to return home safely. Staff and students at every school deserve to work and learn in a safe environment. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the students, school staff, and community of Murrysville in this unsettling time."
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the Mass Stabbings at Franklin Regional High School in Pennsylvania
APRIL 9, 2014
"We are saddened by today's stabbings at Franklin Regional High School. Our thoughts go out to the injured students and staff, and their families, the other students and teachers at the school, and the Murrysville community at large. Tragedies that strike communities—whether it's an inner city school or in a suburban school in a quiet town—impact us all. When we send our children to school each day, we expect them to return home safely. Staff and students at every school deserve to work and learn in a safe environment. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the students, school staff, and community of Murrysville in this unsettling time."
Saturday, January 18, 2014
EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
FROM: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"A little over 50 years ago, our nation engaged in a loud, sometimes deadly and tumultuous discussion about civil rights. From coast to coast, Americans of all backgrounds and creeds stood together and demanded more from each other and our country. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was among the leaders of the day who relentlessly fought for equality in the face of monumental adversity and resistance.
"Time and time again, Dr. King led by example and challenged all of us to be our brother's keeper, fighting the loudest for those with the weakest voices. As we recognize Dr. King's birthday and his countless contributions to our world, we must remember that his fight for equality is not over. Too many students don't have equal access to a high quality education, too many families are finding college simply too expensive to pursue, and not enough of our nation's teachers reflect the diversity of this great country.
"We should honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to fight for equity in our world and in education—along with serving others. His day of remembrance is an opportunity to take part in a meaningful community service project that will have a lasting impact on your community. Despite our varied experiences, we are all in this together and have a shared responsibility to help the most vulnerable among us—just as Dr. King did."ANUARY 17, 2014
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"A little over 50 years ago, our nation engaged in a loud, sometimes deadly and tumultuous discussion about civil rights. From coast to coast, Americans of all backgrounds and creeds stood together and demanded more from each other and our country. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was among the leaders of the day who relentlessly fought for equality in the face of monumental adversity and resistance.
"Time and time again, Dr. King led by example and challenged all of us to be our brother's keeper, fighting the loudest for those with the weakest voices. As we recognize Dr. King's birthday and his countless contributions to our world, we must remember that his fight for equality is not over. Too many students don't have equal access to a high quality education, too many families are finding college simply too expensive to pursue, and not enough of our nation's teachers reflect the diversity of this great country.
"We should honor Dr. King's legacy by continuing to fight for equity in our world and in education—along with serving others. His day of remembrance is an opportunity to take part in a meaningful community service project that will have a lasting impact on your community. Despite our varied experiences, we are all in this together and have a shared responsibility to help the most vulnerable among us—just as Dr. King did."ANUARY 17, 2014
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEGINS PRINCIPAL AMBASSADOR FELLOWSHIP WITH SELECTION OF THREE PRINCIPALS
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Education Secretary Arne Duncan Launches Principal Ambassador Fellowship with Three Principals Selected for Inaugural Program
DECEMBER 9, 2013
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the names of three principals selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education's first Principal Ambassador Fellows (PAFs) program. They are:
Sharif El-Mekki, Mastery Charter School - Shoemaker Campus, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Jill Levine, Normal Park Museum Magnet, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and,
Rachel Skerritt, Eastern Senior High School, Washington, DC.
The principals will serve from now until August 2014 as part-time employees to lend the perspective of school principals to the work of the Department. As the first PAFs, they will also help design the fellowship program for future participants.
"Each year I have the opportunity to visit schools and meet with leaders across the country who are committed to improving educational outcomes for our nation's students," said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "Principals are a linchpin in the effort to improve student success and raise achievement at any scale, and I look forward to working with the 2013 Principal Ambassador Fellows to continue a thoughtful conversation on the best ways to sustain and support school leaders for the long haul. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges principals face will help shape policy and programs across the country to better prepare our nation's children for college and career."
Beginning today, the PAFs are participating in a two-day summit at the Department's headquarters in Washington, DC to become more familiar with federal education policy and Department staff, as well as to begin exchanging ideas for enhancing communication between school and education policy leaders.
Launched last February, the PAF program was created in recognition of the vital role principals play in every aspect of a school's success – from instruction to the school environment to staff performance -- and to better connect their expertise and talent with education policymakers. The principal fellows, in turn, will have the opportunity to lend their perspective on the best ways to implement policies at the school level and engage local communities in the outcomes.
Principals El-Mekki, Levine, and Skerritt were selected from a pool of over 450 applicants who serve in a wide variety of traditional public and charter schools, as well as alternative and private schools. Applications came from principals in nearly every state working in a range of urban, rural and suburban settings. The Principal Ambassador Fellowship program will complement and build on the benefits of the Department's Teaching Ambassador Fellowship, now in its sixth year.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan Launches Principal Ambassador Fellowship with Three Principals Selected for Inaugural Program
DECEMBER 9, 2013
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the names of three principals selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education's first Principal Ambassador Fellows (PAFs) program. They are:
Sharif El-Mekki, Mastery Charter School - Shoemaker Campus, Philadelphia, Pa.;
Jill Levine, Normal Park Museum Magnet, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and,
Rachel Skerritt, Eastern Senior High School, Washington, DC.
The principals will serve from now until August 2014 as part-time employees to lend the perspective of school principals to the work of the Department. As the first PAFs, they will also help design the fellowship program for future participants.
"Each year I have the opportunity to visit schools and meet with leaders across the country who are committed to improving educational outcomes for our nation's students," said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "Principals are a linchpin in the effort to improve student success and raise achievement at any scale, and I look forward to working with the 2013 Principal Ambassador Fellows to continue a thoughtful conversation on the best ways to sustain and support school leaders for the long haul. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges principals face will help shape policy and programs across the country to better prepare our nation's children for college and career."
Beginning today, the PAFs are participating in a two-day summit at the Department's headquarters in Washington, DC to become more familiar with federal education policy and Department staff, as well as to begin exchanging ideas for enhancing communication between school and education policy leaders.
Launched last February, the PAF program was created in recognition of the vital role principals play in every aspect of a school's success – from instruction to the school environment to staff performance -- and to better connect their expertise and talent with education policymakers. The principal fellows, in turn, will have the opportunity to lend their perspective on the best ways to implement policies at the school level and engage local communities in the outcomes.
Principals El-Mekki, Levine, and Skerritt were selected from a pool of over 450 applicants who serve in a wide variety of traditional public and charter schools, as well as alternative and private schools. Applications came from principals in nearly every state working in a range of urban, rural and suburban settings. The Principal Ambassador Fellowship program will complement and build on the benefits of the Department's Teaching Ambassador Fellowship, now in its sixth year.
Friday, November 8, 2013
EDUCATION SECRETARY DUNCAN MAKES STATEMENT ON 2013 NAEP READING AND MATH REPORT CARD
FROM: U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the 2013 NAEP Reading and Mathematics Report Card
NOVEMBER 7, 2013
The 2013 NAEP Reading and Mathematics Report Card is available here.
"The 2013 NAEP report card provides encouraging but modest signs of progress in reading and math for U.S. students.
"In 2013, reading and math scores edged up nationally to new highs for fourth and eighth graders. It is particularly heartening that reading scores for eighth graders are up, after remaining relatively flat for the last decade.
"Achievement among the largest minority group in our nation's public schools—Hispanic students—is also up since 2011. And higher-achieving students as a whole are making more progress in reading and math than in recent years.
"While progress on the NAEP continues to vary among the states, all eight states that had implemented the state-crafted Common Core State Standards at the time of the 2013 NAEP assessment showed improvement in at least one of the Reading and/or Mathematics assessments from 2009 to 2013—and none of the eight states had a decline in scores.
"Given the rapid and comprehensive changes that America's educators are implementing in classrooms across the nation, it is to their credit that we are seeing the strongest performance in the history of the NAEP.
"Our national progress makes me optimistic that local leaders and educators are showing the way to raising standards and driving innovation in the next few years. It is encouraging to see progress in tough economic times, when so many states and local communities have struggled with significant cuts to their education budgets.
"Among states that are making progress, Tennessee, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii made noteworthy gains in eighth grade and fourth grade in reading and/or math from 2011 to 2013.
"Signs of progress on the NAEP—known as the nation's report card—are especially compelling because they cannot be attributed to teaching to the test or testing irregularities, such as cheating.
"While fourth and eighth grade achievement in math and reading has edged upward nationally since 2011, the increases are generally modest.
"And while students in each racial group identified in the NAEP showed improvement in some areas, it is very troubling that achievement gaps between white and black students, and white and Hispanic students, failed to narrow from 2011 to 2013.
"Even with the modest increase in math and reading achievement on the 2013 NAEP, U.S. students are still well behind their peers in top-performing nations.
"If America's students are to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy, our public schools must greatly accelerate the rate of progress of the last four years and do more to narrow America's large achievement gaps. It is an urgent moral and economic imperative that our schools do a better job of preparing students for today's globally-competitive world."
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the 2013 NAEP Reading and Mathematics Report Card
NOVEMBER 7, 2013
The 2013 NAEP Reading and Mathematics Report Card is available here.
"The 2013 NAEP report card provides encouraging but modest signs of progress in reading and math for U.S. students.
"In 2013, reading and math scores edged up nationally to new highs for fourth and eighth graders. It is particularly heartening that reading scores for eighth graders are up, after remaining relatively flat for the last decade.
"Achievement among the largest minority group in our nation's public schools—Hispanic students—is also up since 2011. And higher-achieving students as a whole are making more progress in reading and math than in recent years.
"While progress on the NAEP continues to vary among the states, all eight states that had implemented the state-crafted Common Core State Standards at the time of the 2013 NAEP assessment showed improvement in at least one of the Reading and/or Mathematics assessments from 2009 to 2013—and none of the eight states had a decline in scores.
"Given the rapid and comprehensive changes that America's educators are implementing in classrooms across the nation, it is to their credit that we are seeing the strongest performance in the history of the NAEP.
"Our national progress makes me optimistic that local leaders and educators are showing the way to raising standards and driving innovation in the next few years. It is encouraging to see progress in tough economic times, when so many states and local communities have struggled with significant cuts to their education budgets.
"Among states that are making progress, Tennessee, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii made noteworthy gains in eighth grade and fourth grade in reading and/or math from 2011 to 2013.
"Signs of progress on the NAEP—known as the nation's report card—are especially compelling because they cannot be attributed to teaching to the test or testing irregularities, such as cheating.
"While fourth and eighth grade achievement in math and reading has edged upward nationally since 2011, the increases are generally modest.
"And while students in each racial group identified in the NAEP showed improvement in some areas, it is very troubling that achievement gaps between white and black students, and white and Hispanic students, failed to narrow from 2011 to 2013.
"Even with the modest increase in math and reading achievement on the 2013 NAEP, U.S. students are still well behind their peers in top-performing nations.
"If America's students are to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy, our public schools must greatly accelerate the rate of progress of the last four years and do more to narrow America's large achievement gaps. It is an urgent moral and economic imperative that our schools do a better job of preparing students for today's globally-competitive world."
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2014 EDUCATION BUDGET
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Obama Administration 2014 Budget Prioritizes Key Education Investments to Provide Opportunities for All Americans
The Obama Administration continued to prioritize education in the 2014 budget released today by proposing key investments in education that would strengthen the middle class, grow the economy and provide opportunities for success to all Americans – especially our nation's most vulnerable children. Without adding to the deficit, the President’s FY 2014 budget invests $71 billion in discretionary funding for the Department, an increase of 4.5 percent over the FY 2013 pre-sequester level.
"We must continue to build on the reforms already transforming classrooms across the country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Strategic investments in our educational system will not only provide more opportunities for millions of Americans, but they will strengthen our nation's workforce as well."
The cornerstone of the President's education investments will expand high-quality early learning opportunities to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. Studies show that these children have less access to high-quality early education and are less likely to enter school prepared for success – creating an educational opportunity gap that can shadow them for the rest of their lives. The President’s budget proposal will not only help close the gap by providing America’s youngest learners a strong start, it will also pay dividends down the road in higher graduation rates, increased employment, better jobs at higher salaries, greater tax revenue, and lower crime and reliance on public assistance.
President Obama's Preschool for All proposal would invest $75 billion over 10 years in separate, fully offset mandatory funding to create new partnerships with states and provide high-quality preschool to more communities, helping ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn. In addition, the 2014 budget provides $750 million in complementary discretionary funds to help states strengthen their early learning systems and prepare to expand access to high-quality preschool. The U.S. Department of Education also will work closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to significantly expand and improve services to younger children through Head Start.
"Preschool is one of the smartest and most critical investments we can make," Duncan said. "By getting our children off to a strong start, we not only increase their individual chances for lifelong success, but also ensure our entire nation is on the path to a strong future."
Including Preschool for all, the President's education investments are targeted to strengthen the education pipeline from cradle to career. The President has also proposed to:
Further the K-12 reform agenda by investing in teachers and leaders, school turnaround efforts, and STEM programs, as well as increase investments in what works.
Keep schools and communities safe through an Administration-wide plan to protect our children and neighborhoods from gun violence.
Redesign the high school experience and increase career readiness of high school students, as well as adult learners.
Make college more affordable and improve quality by incentivizing states and institutions to do their part in controlling costs and providing good value.
Provide ladders of opportunity to the middle class through a robust Promise Neighborhoods program and investments in low-income communities.
Further the K-12 reform agenda
Building on the momentum for state-level reform, President Obama has proposed a set of strategic investments to drive change in the nation’s K-12 school systems.
Invest in teachers and leaders: To elevate the teaching profession and strengthen great leaders, the Administration is proposing significant investments, including $5 billion in one-time mandatory funds for the RESPECT initiative to support efforts to transform the teaching profession, as well as $3 billion for the new Excellent Instructional Teams program. The Excellent Instructional Teams program would fund states’ and districts’ efforts to increase the effectiveness of teachers and principals and includes $400 million for a Teacher and Leader Innovation Fund, $98 million for a School Leadership Grant Program and a 25 percent set-aside ($617 million) within the $2.5 billion ESEA Title II State Grants program. A complementary $190 million mandatory investment in Presidential Teaching Fellows would provide scholarships to students in top-tier teacher preparation programs who commit to teaching in high-need schools and subjects.
Turn around low-performing schools: To strengthen educational opportunities for all students, the Administration is proposing to invest $659 million in School Turnaround Grants, including a $125 million increase to support and sustain local efforts to reform the lowest performing schools and expand the School Turnaround AmeriCorps initiative.
Strengthen STEM programs: Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career, and the nation faces a skills gap in its workforce. The Administration is proposing $150 million for STEM Innovation Networks to create effective strategies for improving STEM education, $35 million to establish a STEM Master Teacher Corps, and $80 million to recruit and train effective STEM teachers for high-need schools.
Expand what works: The President's Investing in Innovation (i3) competition has supported efforts across the country to develop solutions to some of education’s greatest challenges. The 2014 budget increases funding for the i3 program to $215 million in order to expand support for using an evidence-based approach to test new ideas, validate what works, and scale up the most effective approaches in high-need areas.
Keep schools and communities safe
In January, President Obama released his plan to reduce gun violence, make schools safer, and increase access to mental health services. The 2014 request includes new investments in support of that plan’s common-sense proposals. These investments, which would be coordinated with related proposals at the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, will help create safer and more nurturing school climates that help prevent school violence. Key proposals include $50 million for School Climate Transformation Grants, $30 million for improved emergency management planning and $25 million for Project Prevent grants to help districts in communities with pervasive violence to break the cycle of violence.
Redesign the high school experience and increase career readiness
To compete in a global economy, Americans need some form of postsecondary education – whether that’s a 4-year degree, 2-year degree or postsecondary certificate. To help to engage high school students as well as meet the needs of adult learners, the Obama Administration has detailed plans to redesign high schools and career and technical education (CTE) programs, aligning them with the skills and knowledge that employers need. The Administration is also renewing its $1.1 billion proposal for a reauthorized Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program, which would strengthen alignment among secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and businesses.
As previewed in President Obama’s State of the Union address, the Administration is proposing $300 million for a new High School Redesign program, which would fund competitive grants to districts partnering with postsecondary institutions, businesses and non-profits to help ensure that all students graduate from high school with college credit and career-related experience.
Make college more affordable and improve quality
The demand for higher education continues to increase at a time when college costs have continued to escalate. President Obama delivered significant increases in the postsecondary financial aid available to students and families over the first term, but student aid cannot keep pace with rising college costs indefinitely. To address these long-term challenges, the President’s request proposes comprehensive reforms to increase affordability and quality in higher education, including $1 billion for a new Race to the Top-College Affordability and Completion competition that would drive change in state higher education policies and practices; $260 million for a First in the World fund that would make competitive awards to encourage innovation in higher education; expanding and reforming campus-based aid programs; linking student loan interest rates to market rates – before they are scheduled to rise on July 1; and expanding the popular Pay As You Earn repayment option to ensure that loan repayments for all student borrowers do not exceed 10 percent of their discretionary income.
In addition, the 2014 budget would fund Pell Grants for more than 9 million students – an increase of more than 50 percent since 2008 – and support an increase in the maximum Pell Grant from $5,645 in the 2013-14 year to $5,785 in 2014-15.
Provide ladders of opportunity
Too many communities suffer from concentrated poverty, and schools often take on the multiple challenges that face their most vulnerable students. Through "Promise Zones," federal agencies will partner with the leaders of high-poverty communities to break down barriers and coordinate the resources and expertise they need to create jobs, leverage private investments, increase economic activity, reduce violence, and improve educational opportunities. The President’s budget would support Promise Zones through investments in his signature Neighborhood Revitalization programs, including $300 million for the U.S. Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods.
Together, these investments can continue to close achievement gaps, provide life-transforming opportunities for children, expand educational opportunity, strengthen the middle class and prepare all Americans for the challenges of the 21st century.
Obama Administration 2014 Budget Prioritizes Key Education Investments to Provide Opportunities for All Americans
The Obama Administration continued to prioritize education in the 2014 budget released today by proposing key investments in education that would strengthen the middle class, grow the economy and provide opportunities for success to all Americans – especially our nation's most vulnerable children. Without adding to the deficit, the President’s FY 2014 budget invests $71 billion in discretionary funding for the Department, an increase of 4.5 percent over the FY 2013 pre-sequester level.
"We must continue to build on the reforms already transforming classrooms across the country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Strategic investments in our educational system will not only provide more opportunities for millions of Americans, but they will strengthen our nation's workforce as well."
The cornerstone of the President's education investments will expand high-quality early learning opportunities to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. Studies show that these children have less access to high-quality early education and are less likely to enter school prepared for success – creating an educational opportunity gap that can shadow them for the rest of their lives. The President’s budget proposal will not only help close the gap by providing America’s youngest learners a strong start, it will also pay dividends down the road in higher graduation rates, increased employment, better jobs at higher salaries, greater tax revenue, and lower crime and reliance on public assistance.
President Obama's Preschool for All proposal would invest $75 billion over 10 years in separate, fully offset mandatory funding to create new partnerships with states and provide high-quality preschool to more communities, helping ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn. In addition, the 2014 budget provides $750 million in complementary discretionary funds to help states strengthen their early learning systems and prepare to expand access to high-quality preschool. The U.S. Department of Education also will work closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to significantly expand and improve services to younger children through Head Start.
"Preschool is one of the smartest and most critical investments we can make," Duncan said. "By getting our children off to a strong start, we not only increase their individual chances for lifelong success, but also ensure our entire nation is on the path to a strong future."
Including Preschool for all, the President's education investments are targeted to strengthen the education pipeline from cradle to career. The President has also proposed to:
Keep schools and communities safe through an Administration-wide plan to protect our children and neighborhoods from gun violence.
Redesign the high school experience and increase career readiness of high school students, as well as adult learners.
Make college more affordable and improve quality by incentivizing states and institutions to do their part in controlling costs and providing good value.
Provide ladders of opportunity to the middle class through a robust Promise Neighborhoods program and investments in low-income communities.
Further the K-12 reform agenda
Building on the momentum for state-level reform, President Obama has proposed a set of strategic investments to drive change in the nation’s K-12 school systems.
Turn around low-performing schools: To strengthen educational opportunities for all students, the Administration is proposing to invest $659 million in School Turnaround Grants, including a $125 million increase to support and sustain local efforts to reform the lowest performing schools and expand the School Turnaround AmeriCorps initiative.
Strengthen STEM programs: Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career, and the nation faces a skills gap in its workforce. The Administration is proposing $150 million for STEM Innovation Networks to create effective strategies for improving STEM education, $35 million to establish a STEM Master Teacher Corps, and $80 million to recruit and train effective STEM teachers for high-need schools.
Expand what works: The President's Investing in Innovation (i3) competition has supported efforts across the country to develop solutions to some of education’s greatest challenges. The 2014 budget increases funding for the i3 program to $215 million in order to expand support for using an evidence-based approach to test new ideas, validate what works, and scale up the most effective approaches in high-need areas.
Keep schools and communities safe
In January, President Obama released his plan to reduce gun violence, make schools safer, and increase access to mental health services. The 2014 request includes new investments in support of that plan’s common-sense proposals. These investments, which would be coordinated with related proposals at the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, will help create safer and more nurturing school climates that help prevent school violence. Key proposals include $50 million for School Climate Transformation Grants, $30 million for improved emergency management planning and $25 million for Project Prevent grants to help districts in communities with pervasive violence to break the cycle of violence.
Redesign the high school experience and increase career readiness
To compete in a global economy, Americans need some form of postsecondary education – whether that’s a 4-year degree, 2-year degree or postsecondary certificate. To help to engage high school students as well as meet the needs of adult learners, the Obama Administration has detailed plans to redesign high schools and career and technical education (CTE) programs, aligning them with the skills and knowledge that employers need. The Administration is also renewing its $1.1 billion proposal for a reauthorized Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program, which would strengthen alignment among secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and businesses.
As previewed in President Obama’s State of the Union address, the Administration is proposing $300 million for a new High School Redesign program, which would fund competitive grants to districts partnering with postsecondary institutions, businesses and non-profits to help ensure that all students graduate from high school with college credit and career-related experience.
Make college more affordable and improve quality
The demand for higher education continues to increase at a time when college costs have continued to escalate. President Obama delivered significant increases in the postsecondary financial aid available to students and families over the first term, but student aid cannot keep pace with rising college costs indefinitely. To address these long-term challenges, the President’s request proposes comprehensive reforms to increase affordability and quality in higher education, including $1 billion for a new Race to the Top-College Affordability and Completion competition that would drive change in state higher education policies and practices; $260 million for a First in the World fund that would make competitive awards to encourage innovation in higher education; expanding and reforming campus-based aid programs; linking student loan interest rates to market rates – before they are scheduled to rise on July 1; and expanding the popular Pay As You Earn repayment option to ensure that loan repayments for all student borrowers do not exceed 10 percent of their discretionary income.
In addition, the 2014 budget would fund Pell Grants for more than 9 million students – an increase of more than 50 percent since 2008 – and support an increase in the maximum Pell Grant from $5,645 in the 2013-14 year to $5,785 in 2014-15.
Provide ladders of opportunity
Too many communities suffer from concentrated poverty, and schools often take on the multiple challenges that face their most vulnerable students. Through "Promise Zones," federal agencies will partner with the leaders of high-poverty communities to break down barriers and coordinate the resources and expertise they need to create jobs, leverage private investments, increase economic activity, reduce violence, and improve educational opportunities. The President’s budget would support Promise Zones through investments in his signature Neighborhood Revitalization programs, including $300 million for the U.S. Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods.
Together, these investments can continue to close achievement gaps, provide life-transforming opportunities for children, expand educational opportunity, strengthen the middle class and prepare all Americans for the challenges of the 21st century.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)