The biggest news in Washington this week was the approval of a new continuing resolution to keep federal programs operating through early 2024. You can read more about this update on the CTE Policy Watch Blog. More news and updates below:
- White House Releases Playbook Identifying Effective Workforce Investments: The Biden-Harris Administration has released a playbook that discusses workforce development strategies being used by states and local governments through American Rescue Plan funding. Read more in the CTE Policy Watch Blog.
- Department of Education Launches Initiative to Promote Multilingual Education for a Diverse Workforce: ED has launched “Being Bilingual is a Superpower” to bolster high-quality language programs and a diverse multilingual educator workforce across the nation as a part of the Raise the Bar: Create Pathways for Global Engagement The initiative will aim to promote research-based bilingual educational opportunities and language instruction in early educational settings.
- CTE Caucus Chairs Recognize National Career Development Month: On November 16, Reps. G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced a resolution declaring November as National Career Development Month. This resolution aims to raise awareness of future career opportunities and development programs for all individuals.
- Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Releases Data on Student Educational Access During Pandemic: ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released new data from the 2020-21 school year offering crucial insights regarding civil rights indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic year. This data reflects the differences in student’s experiences across the nation’s schools and will provide leaders and policymakers insights for future improvements.
- White House Releases Proclamation on National Apprenticeship Week: The Biden-Harris Administration has released a statement pledging its support for the development of registered apprenticeship programs all across the nation as a part of its November 2023 celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. In the statement, the White House commits its support to these programs and recognizes their importance in offering America’s workers direct pathways to good-paying jobs and opportunity to hone their skills while they learn.
- Department of Education Announces New Tools to Combat Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Forms of Discrimination and Bias: ED has announced multiple efforts aimed at ensuring that schools and college campuses have the tools and resources they need to protect students from discrimination and harassment because of their race, color or national origin, including learners who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Arab or Palestinian.
- Department of Education Releases New Data on the Redesigned FAFSA: ED has released a new state-by-state dataset that displays how the new FAFSA form will help more than 1.5 million students receive the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding, bringing the total number of eligible students to more than 5.2 million learners. These changes will start in the 2024-25 award year and will better help students by reflecting improved updates to student aid calculations.
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