Most of the news from the federal government is understandably focused on the Coronavirus, so this Digest (and likely others for the next several weeks) largely concentrates on news and guidance coming from the administration and the Education Department. We will certainly still report on other news concerning federal education policy when it occurs! Here’s the news from this week:
• Senate Introduces Early Educators Apprenticeship Act: Three Senators—Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)—introduced the Early Educators Apprenticeship Act. The Act increases the number of child care apprentices with credentials or degrees, recruits new workers and offers apprentices career advancement opportunities.
• New Resources from the Department of Education for the Coronavirus: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has released new resources to help education leaders protect student privacy, allow for flexibility on accountability standards under ESSA and ensure students with disabilities continue to receive services that are required for learning.
• COVID-19 Conference Call Between Department of Education and Chief State School Officers: The Department of Education, along with other agencies, hosted a conference call with the Council of Chief State School Officers and discussed issues relating to the Coronavirus such as school closures, school meal programs, testing and accountability measures and grant administration. Read the summary of that call here.
• CDC Guidance on School Closures: The CDC has released guidance for schools when faced with decision to close down for a short period of time due to the Coronavirus or measures that should be taken if your school has already shut down.
For the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus, the Department of Education has created an information page for schools and educators. You can find more here.
Comments