Policy Issues


Department of Education Seeking Best Practices for Reopening Colleges and Universities

The United States Department of Education has issued a request for information on how schools, colleges and universities, and early education providers are reopening, operating safely and supporting students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States Spends $1.3 Trillion on Education

The United States tops every other country in overall education spending, investing $1.3 trillion across all levels. That's more than seven times the next top contender, Germany, which spends $189.4 billion on education. However, we're only number 8 in terms of education spending as a percentage of the gross domestic product.

9 Priorities for Closing the Digital Divide

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, a nonprofit that promotes "open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections," has issued a roadmap for 2021, laying out what it will be pursuing in its mission of supplying internet access to an estimated 42 million unconnected people in the United States.

New Department of Ed Portal Gives Snapshot of CARES Act Ed Funding

On the six-month anniversary of the signing of the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Education has launched on online portal intended to show how much states have spent of their education allocations for K-12 districts and colleges and universities.

Biden Transition Team Reflects Support for Public Education, Teachers and Equity

President-elect Joe Biden has named an education transition team made up of 20 education experts.

10G Networks Promise Millisecond Latency

On the horizon for 2021, 10G offers the promise of delivering 10 times the current most prevalent maximum speeds offered to consumers.

Report: Time for Feds to Work with States on Stabilizing Higher Ed

The feds need to step up and help bail out higher education in the coming recession. Otherwise, college will be off the table for many students and families. That's the bottom line, according to William Doyle, a professor of higher education and public policy at Vanderbilt University, writing on Third Way.

North Dakota Universities Pass State Version of FERPA

North Dakota higher education leaders have passed a new policy intended to protect student data. The State Board of Higher Education has implemented policy 503.2, the "Student Data Privacy and Security Bill of Rights."

CDC Adds New COVID-19 Guidelines for Higher Ed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently came out with additional guidelines to help institutions of higher education protect students, faculty and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Education Leaders Push to 'Remove Fine Print' from Keep Americans Connected Pledge

According to former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, some companies are withholding free access service from families who have outstanding bills or other debt problems with the company.