CTE Policy Watch: A blog for CTE advocates

DC Digest April 7-10

This week, lawmakers narrowly adopted a budget framework that allows Congress to move forward on a budget reconciliation bill with extensive tax provisions as well as cuts of up to $2 trillion in federal spending. At the same time, Congress is beginning work on Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, with an outline of the President’s budget priorities expected later this month and a full Administration budget proposal expected mid-May. Meanwhile, Administration officials made several appearances this week discussing their agendas. Read more for details. 

• Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-AR) reintroduce Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA): The bill would expand opportunities for dual enrollment and early college high schools, increasing opportunities for CTE students pursuing these pathways into successful careers. Read ACTE’s endorsement of the MEAA. 

• House CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Circulate Letter to Increase Perkins Funding: The co-chairs of the bipartisan House CTE Caucus, Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), are circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter addressed to the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. The letter requests increased funding for Perkins in the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. Read more on the blog, and urge your Representatives to sign the letter! 

• Lawmakers Consider Resolution Requesting Documents from Administration Regarding Department of Education (ED): The House Education and Workforce Committee considered and struck down a resolution, H.Res. 237, requesting that the Administration share documents on their plans to dismantle ED. It was originally introduced by Democratic lawmakers in March. 

• Secretary Linda McMahon Remarks at ASU+GSV Summit: Secretary McMahon spoke at a summit cohosted by Global Silicon Valley and Arizona State University focused on education, workforce and technology. McMahon acknowledged that the Department of Education cannot be closed without congressional approval and discussed possible changes to the Institute of Education Sciences.  

• Lawmakers’ Letter to Secretary McMahon on Pandemic Relief Extension Policy: Democratic congressional leaders in both the House and Senate sent a letter to Secretary McMahon requesting her reconsideration of the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds.  

• Labor Secretary Lori-Chavez DeRemer Embarked on America at Work Listening Tour: Secretary DeRemer began her America at Work listening tour with a roundtable to discuss supporting apprenticeships, among other methods to enhance America’s workforce. She also discussed the importance and impact of the skilled trades.  

DC Digest March 30 - April 7

This week, the Department of Education (ED) was active in issuing guidance and making announcements as it works to implement the Administration’s agenda. In Congress, budget reconciliation remained the primary focus, as the Senate worked through votes on its version of a budget resolution. Keep reading for more details. 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on AI in the Classroom: On Tuesday, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on K-12 education. Read more on the blog! 

• House Appropriations Committee Releases Schedule for Members to Make FY 2026 Appropriations Requests: The House Appropriations Committee posted guidance on when Members of Congress must submit requests for earmarks, funding or language in the FY 2026 appropriations bills.  

• Committee for Education (CEF) Funding Letter to Congress: CEF sent a letter this week on behalf of its members (including ACTE) to urge Congress to protect students by opposing cuts to federal education investments as they move forward with the budget reconciliation process. 

• ED Provides Update on COVID Relief Funding Extensions: Following the letter issued by ED in late March that it was eliminating previously granted COVID relief fund extensions, an email was sent this week with more guidance on how to submit specific projects for late liquidation approval. These projects must have been properly obligated by 9/30/24 and necessary to mitigate the effects of COVID on students’ education, and states must justify why ED should grant the funding extension request.  

• ED Letter to States, Schools on Using Federal Funds for School Choice: ED sent a letter to state education chiefs reminding them of how Title I allows states and schools to use funds to let students take courses offered outside of their home school, among other flexibilities. This is primarily an effort to expand school choice, and will likely be followed with additional material on the subject, but does include references to CTE.  

• ED Requires States and School Districts to Certify Title VI Compliance: On April 3, ED sent a letter to State Commissioners overseeing K-12 State Education Agencies requiring their certification compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits race-based discrimination in federally funded programs, as well as certification from districts. The certification notes that “illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences” including loss of federal funding or other liabilities.  

• ED’s Office of Postsecondary Education Announces Negotiated Rulemaking: Negotiated rulemaking is the process that must be used under the Higher Education Act to negotiate proposed postsecondary regulations with stakeholders. In this case, ED invites public feedback on ways to streamline higher education regulations and federal student assistance programs to create efficiencies for students, institutions and stakeholders. They also invite ideas to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment plan and the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan.  

DC Digest: March 22-28

This week, Congress returned from recess and focused primarily on the budget reconciliation process, which Republicans hope to use to enact significant budget and tax cuts in the coming weeks. Education leaders and stakeholders are learning more about the potential impact of the Administration’s Executive Order (EO) to eliminate the Department of Education (ED) on their schools and communities. Several education organizations and institutions have issued responses and are turning to legal action. Read more for details.

• Department of Education Cancels COVID Relief Funds Extensions: The Secretary of Education notified state education chiefs on March 28 that previously granted extensions for spending down remaining COVID relief funding would be canceled immediately. Some extensions will now be considered “on an individual project-specific basis.” This has the potential to affect states and school districts with funds remaining, even if those funds are already obligated.
• ED Reopens Application for Income-Driven Loan Repayment Plans: ED recently reopened a revised application for income-driven loan repayment plans and loan consolidation. The form had been temporarily unavailable due to a court order to cease implementation of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan.
• Committee for Education Funding Letter to ED: The Committee for Education Funding sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon on behalf of their members (including ACTE) in opposition to the EO calling for the closure of ED. The letter also addressed other recent Administration actions that have drastically cut ED staffing.
• Administration Engages in Legal Battles to Uphold Cuts to Public Education: The Administration requested that the Supreme Court hear appeals to funding cuts that have been blocked by lower federal courts. Notably, a federal judge this week blocked cuts to teacher preparation grants. As of this week, there have been at least nineteen lawsuits that challenge Trump Administration education-related policies or actions.
• Lawmakers Urge Department of Labor (DOL) to Overturn 14(c) Rule: Several Members of the House Education and Workforce Committee issued a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer requesting that DOL withdraw a proposed rule to halt the issuance of 14(c) certificates, which allows employers to hire workers with disabilities at wages below minimum wage.
• House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education to Hold Hearing on AI in K-12 Education: The House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education will hold a hearing, “From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education,” on April 1.

DC Digest: March 15-21

This week, advocates attended ACTE’s National Policy Seminar and spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with their Congressional offices to advocate for CTE and education funding. This event was accompanied by a reception on Capitol Hill highlighting the work of eight Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Meanwhile, President Trump introduced the long-expected Executive Order (EO) to begin eliminating the Department of Education, and Washington is reacting. Congress was on recess, but returns on March 24 to a full spring agenda. Keep reading for details.

• President Trump Signs EO to Dismantle Department of Education: President Trump signed an EO instructing the Secretary of Education to take steps toward eliminating the Department of Education. The agency cannot be fully eliminated without the approval of Congress, though some Members of Congress have already spoken out in favor. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) vowed to introduce related legislation to accomplish the Administration’s goals. See ACTE’s response to the EO and statement on the recent changes to the Department for more info.
• Department of Education Announces FAFSA Changes: The Department of Education announced more than 8 million 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms have been processed. They also announced changes to the FAFSA form to upgrade user experience. The Department is currently on track for a FAFSA release for next year by October 1.
• Trump Administration Cuts Library Funding: The Trump Administration signed an EO last week to cut funding to a number of federal entities. This includes the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which supports museums and libraries as sites of research and teaching.
• Judge Orders Education Department to Restore Some Grants to Schools: A judge ruled the Trump Administration must restore several grants that it had previously cut, including funding to help place teachers in underserved schools. This funding helps to address teacher shortages and help prepare future educators.

DC Digest: March 8-14

This was a chaotic week in Washington, D.C., marked by huge staff reductions at the Department of Education and a showdown over government funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Ultimately, Congress cleared a continuing resolution to continue federal funding for the rest of the year at roughly current levels, averting a government shutdown. Both chambers will now recess until March 24. Keep reading for more details.

 

• Congress Passes CR: The House passed a year-long continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government for FY 2025 through September on March 11 and the Senate followed on March 14, just before current government funding would have expired triggering a shut down. The CR provides roughly level funding for most programs, but does contain some cuts and other anomalies. As the CR is signed into law and official allocations for individual programs are released, we will provide updates.
• ACTE and Advance CTE Issue Statement on Department of Education Funding & Staffing Impacts on CTE: ACTE and Advance CTE released a statement regarding the recent staffing and funding actions of the U.S. Department of Education and their impacts on the CTE community. Read the statement here.
• Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) Leads Coalition in Letter to Congress on Postsecondary Data: IHEP led a coalition of 87 organizations and individual researchers in sending a letter to Congress elevating deep concerns regarding recent Institute of Education Sciences (IES) research and data collection cancellations. ACTE signed on to this letter.
• Senate Confirms Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: The Senate voted to confirm Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor earlier this week. She was sworn in shortly after the vote.
• House Holds Hearing on School Choice: The Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee held a hearing on school choice. During opening statements, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, House CTE Caucus co-chair, highlighted CTE schools in her district as strong and viable educational opportunities.
• Committee for Education Funding (CEF) Briefing: CEF, a large education coalition of which ACTE is a member, held a briefing on Capitol Hill, “The Value and Importance of Federal Investments in Education.” The panel featured Richard Kincaid, Sr. Executive Director of College and Career Pathways at Maryland State Department of Education. Kincaid used his time on the panel to highlight the positive outcomes of CTE programs and benefits to enrolling in CTE. Other panelists also pressed the need for stronger federal investments and for research and data.

DC Digest: March 1-7

This week the primary focus on the Hill was President Trump’s address to Congress, with concerns also growing about some proposed policy shifts and DOGE-related cuts. Several congressional committees did focus on education and workforce issues though, discussing potential funding and legislative opportunities to promote career development and education. The Senate also confirmed Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. Meanwhile, as the deadline looms closer, Congressional leaders are working to agree on a plan to fund the government after March 14. Read more for details! 

 

• Republican Leaders Prepare Year-long Continuing Resolution: With federal funding set to expire on March 14, Congress has been working on plans to finish work on FY 2025 appropriations bills. Republican leaders in the House and Senate are currently working on a continuing resolution that would maintain federal funding at current levels for the rest of the fiscal year with a few adjustments. The text of this bill hasn’t been released yet, however, and it is unclear if there is enough support for it to pass.  

• Linda McMahon Confirmed as Secretary of Education: On March 3, Linda McMahon was confirmed as Secretary of Education by the Senate. McMahon has expressed interest in CTE, specifically apprenticeship opportunities, and voiced support for expanding Pell Grants for short-term training programs. Learn more about her policies and background on the blog! 

• Secretary McMahon Letter to the Department of Education: To kick off her term as Secretary, McMahon published a memo, “Our Department’s Final Mission,” to outline her policy goals for her tenure. Specifically, she pledged to review programs and initiatives and evaluate whether they should remain funded and functional, dependent on how they align with the Administration’s goals. McMahon’s intention to overhaul the agency is in line with President Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the Department, which is rumored to be the focus of an upcoming Executive Order (EO).  

• Education Department Releases New FAQs on DEI Issues: On February 14, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released a Dear Colleague Letter suggesting a broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and directing educational institutions to comply with instructions outlined in the letter related to civil rights and anti-discrimination. To address questions on the letter, ED released an additional set of Frequently Asked Questions on March 1. Check out the blog for more details. 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Holds WIOA Reauthorization Hearing: On March 7, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing focused on reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Lawmakers from both parties highlighted their interest in reauthorizing the legislation. Read more on the blog! 

• Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee Holds Member Day: On March 5, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education held a Member Day. Member Days are an opportunity for Members of Congress who are not part of the Subcommittee to voice their interests and let the appropriators know what funding they want for their districts and communities. Witnesses included House CTE Caucus co-chair Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), both of whom advocated for continued investment in education, specifically CTE.  Read more on the blog.  

• President Trump Signs EO on English as National Language: President Trump signed an EO to designate English as the national language of the United States. This may have long-term implications for accommodating multilingual students. This also revokes previous mandates on translation services for federal agencies and the resources they provide.  

DC Digest February 22-28

The Administration continues to move forward on efforts to reduce federal spending and staffing. In Congress, leaders are still negotiating on possible options to address Fiscal Year 2025 funding since the current continuing resolution (CR) expires on March 14. Republicans are also continuing conversations on how to move forward on the budget reconciliation process now that both the House and Senate have passed different budget resolutions. Meanwhile, ACTE has been concluding CTE Month Activities with the annual CTE School Month Visit and publication of the State Policies Impacting CTE: 2024 Year in Review report. As we wrap up the month, use ACTE’s Action Center to urge your Representatives to support the House CTE Month Resolution!  

• House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on Economy and Workforce: The House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing this week, “Unleashing America’s Workforce and Strengthening Our Economy,” discussing challenges and opportunities that the American workforce is encountering.  

• Senate HELP Committee Advances Lori Chavez-DeRemer's Nomination for Secretary of Labor: The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to advance Lori Chavez-DeRemer's nomination for Labor Secretary. Chavez-DeRemer's nomination will move to the Senate floor for a full, final vote at a later date. ACTE will share more updates on her nomination as they develop. 

• Update on DOGE Access to Education Data: A federal judge has barred the Department of Education and the Office of Personal Management (OPM) from sharing sensitive information with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This information could include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, income and assets, citizenship status and disability status. Democrat Leadership in the House Education and Workforce Committee have issued letters to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education and Labor on this matter. 

• Department of Education Announces “End DEI” Portal: The Department of Education published a new portal for teachers, students and others to submit reports of these practices in schools.  

• OPM Releases Guidance on Mass Government Layoffs: The OPM released a memo with instructions for federal agencies to make plans for significant force reductions. Plans are due on March 13, and must also include broader agency restructuring suggestions, which could feed into the Administration’s goals to eliminate the Department of Education.   

• ACTE and Advance CTE Release State Policies Impacting CTE: 2024 Year in Review: ACTE and Advance CTE released the 12th annual report compiling CTE policy trends at the state level to highlight advancements in the field, accompanied by a webinar held on February 27. Read more about the report on the blog! 

• ACTE and Crossland High Schol Host Annual CTE Month School Visit: ACTE partnered with Crossland High School to host the annual 2025 CTE Month School Visit. ACTE is grateful for the commitment and collaboration with Crossland High School in hosting this thoughtful event in celebration of CTE Month. Read more about the visit on the blog! 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Announces WIOA Hearing: The House Education and Workforce Committee announced a hearing for next Wednesday (March 5), “Strengthening WIOA: Improving Outcomes for America’s Workforce.” We will share any relevant information from this hearing and keep you updated! 

DC Digest February 8 - 21

Over the last two weeks there has been a significant amount of federal policy activity. The Senate continued its confirmation process for President Trump’s cabinet nominations, including nominees for Education and Labor Secretaries, and both chambers began their work on the budget reconciliation process. Meanwhile, the Department of Education continued to implement policy changes, including updates to Perkins reporting requirements, Title IX guidelines and COVID-19 funding. The Department has also announced cancellations of several grant programs, including teacher training grants and research contracts. Keep reading for more details. 

 

• Department of Education Announces Plans to Reinstate Existing Perkins Requirements: On February 10, the Department of Education announced that it would be reversing a series of proposed changes to the Perkins State Plan Guide and Consolidated Annual Report (CAR) tool that states use to submit Perkins performance data to them. Read more on the blog! 

• Department of Education Announces Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education: The Department of Education announced several new sub-cabinet nominations. Kevin O’Farrell was nominated for Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education. O’Farrell is currently the Chancellor for the Division of Career and Adult Education in Florida’s Department of Education and is the state director for CTE there. Read ACTE’s statement. 

• Trump Administration Cancels Nearly $900M in IES Contracts: The Trump Administration canceled nearly $900 million in contracts within the Institute of Education Sciences, impacting funding to a wide variety of research projects, including many focused on CTE.  

• Department of Education Cancels Grant Programs: The Department of Education Announces funding cuts and cancellations for several programs, including grants awarded under the Comprehensive Centers Program, grants to train teachers and education agencies and grants to several Regional Educational Laboratories and Equity Assistance Centers. 

• Department of Education Announces Guidance Updates for COVID-19 Funding: The Department of Education announced changes to how remaining COVID-19 relief can be claimed. States will now have to spend the money and submit their receipts for reimbursement.  

• Committee for Education Funding (CEF) Letter to Congress: CEF sent a letter to Congress objecting to the Administration’s actions to withhold funding. The letter, sent on behalf of their members including ACTE, urges Congress to insist that the Administration implement Congress’s laws requiring investments in education.  

• House and Senate Move Forward with Budget Reconciliation: Both the House and Senate have made progress on their respective budget resolutions, which outline the spending and revenue changes that they hope to achieve through the budget reconciliation process. Read more on the blog.  

• Senate Committee Considers Nominee for Education Secretary: Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Feb. 13. On Feb. 20, the committee voted to advance her nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote to confirm her nomination. For more information on her policy platform, check out the blog! 

• Senate Hearing with Nominee for Labor Secretary: Lori Chavez-DeRemer testified before the Senate HELP Committee on Feb. 19, following her nomination to Secretary of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer previously served in the House of Representatives. On Thursday, Feb. 27, the committee will hold a vote to consider her nomination. If Chavez-DeRemer advances through the committee, there will be a full Senate vote to confirm her nomination. 

• House Appropriators Hold Hearing on Career Readiness: On Feb. 12, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing that focused on the role of community colleges in workforce development. The hearing underscored the significance of community colleges in equipping individuals with skills that drive economic mobility. Read more on the blog! 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Announces Hearing on America’s Workforce and Economy: The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing on February 26, “Unleashing America’s Workforce and Strengthening our Economy.” ACTE will share any relevant updates from the hearing! 

• Senate HELP Committee Leadership Announces Subcommittee Assignments: The Senate HELP Committee announced the member subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. Subcommittees include Education and the American Family,  Employment and Workplace Safety, and Primary Health and Retirement Security.  
  
  
• Department of Education Issues OCR Guidance: On Feb. 14, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague letter to states and postsecondary institutions related to the use of race and ethnicity in educational activities. The letter takes a wide view of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA), suggesting it will be used as a framework to evaluate other education activities and potentially withhold funding.  

 

DC Digest February 1 - 7

Last week marked the start of CTE Month! House and Senate CTE Caucuses introduced their respective CTE Month Resolutions, and the Senate introduced the JOBS Act to expand Pell grants to short-term CTE programs. The Senate also set dates for confirmation hearings on the Administration’s nominees for Education and Labor Secretaries, despite rumors that President Trump plans to issue an Executive Order laying the groundwork for dismantling the Department of Education (which would ultimately require congressional approval).Tensions have also escalated between Democratic congressional leaders and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as that organization has been operating at the Department of Education. ACTE will provide updates on this as it unfolds. Keep reading for more details! 

 

• CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution Recognizing CTE Month: Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) along with Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a resolution recognizing National CTE Month, which is observed every February. Tell your Reps. to cosponsor the House resolution! The White House also issued a proclamation.  

• Senate Lawmakers Reintroduce JOBS Act Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) reintroduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce training programs between 150-600 clock hours over a period of at least 8 weeks. Read the blog for more details! 

• House Holds Hearing on the State of American Education: On Feb. 5, the House Education and Workforce Committee held their first full Committee hearing, “The State of American Education” to discuss issues facing students and their families, as well as faculty and administrators. Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) set the tone for the hearing with agenda items including university spending, foreign influence, social issues and workforce development. Learn more on the blog! 

• Senate HELP Committee to Hold Confirmation Hearings for Secretaries of Education and Labor: The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced a hearing for February 13 to review the Administration’s nominee, Linda McMahon, as Secretary of Education. Learn more about McMahon’s nomination on the blog. They also announced a hearing for February 12 to review the Administration’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, Former Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer.  

• Department of Education Announces Political Appointees: The Department of Education announced additional appointees, most notable Deputy Under Secretary and Special Assistants on Higher Education and K-12. ACTE will continue to work with the Department to advocate for CTE!  

• Department of Education Updates FAFSA: The Department of Education published the information collection form for the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is on track to launch FAFSA by October 1, 2025. This is the updated deadline, mandated by the FAFSA Deadline Act.  

DC Digest January 27-31

This week began on a hectic note following the Trump Administration’s memos regarding pausing funding for federal grants, loans and other assistance programs. Despite the original memo being rescinded, the situation is still very fluid and uncertain. Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, the Senate held several hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees and will continue this work into the next week as well. The House and Senate CTE Caucuses are also preparing for CTE Month by introducing CTE Month Resolutions in the House and Senate. Keep reading for more details and stay tuned for updates! 

• ACTION ALERT: Ask Your Members of Congress to Cosponsor the 2025 House and Senate CTE Month Resolutions: The House and CTE Caucuses have introduced resolutions to designate February as CTE Month. CLICK HERE  to ask your Members of Congress to cosponsor this year’s CTE Month resolution. 

• Update on OMB Pause for Federal Grants: Earlier this week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a temporary pause of agency grant, loan and other financial assistance programs. Later in the week, this pause was rescinded, potentially allowing for federal funds to be disbursed for now. It’s unclear what next steps will be or how programs will be impacted in the immediate aftermath. ACTE will continue to share updates as we learn more! 

• Department of Education to Enforce 2020 Title IX Rule: The Department of Education sent a letter to K-12 schools and institutions of higher education advising educators and administrators that the 2020 Title IX rules will be enforced, following the Biden Administration’s attempt to rewrite the Title IX regulations last year. 

• House Education and Workforce Committee to Hold Hearing Next Week: Next Wednesday, the House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing, “The State of American Education.” ACTE will share any relevant information from the hearing, and you can follow along with the livestream.  

• White House and Congress Focus on School Choice: Leadership in the House Education and Workforce Committee have introduced a resolution to recognize this week as National School Choice Week. This follows President Trump’s announcement of an executive order (EO)he plans to sign next week to designate discretionary money toward school choice programs, and reintroduction of a bill in Congress to provide tax credits for voucher-like scholarships. Read more about these activities on the blog.  

• White House Issues EO on “Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling”: This week the White House issued another EO related to K-12 teaching, directing agency heads to provide an “Ending Indoctrination Strategy” and promoting patriotic education.  

• Department of Labor Publishes New Apprenticeship Toolkit: The Department of Labor updated and shared, “The Apprenticeship Training Toolkit,” with training materials and information for launching and expanding successful apprenticeship programs.  

• Department of Labor Shares Toolkit for Workforce Development Boards: The LEAD Center, funded by the Department of Labor, developed and published a toolkit to help workforce development boards with partnerships.