Articles of Interest
Va. education board delays review of new history and social studies standards
School Board hears concern, parents’ angst over sexual book content – Chesterfield Observer
Sexually Explicit Content Notification Policy Heads to School Board Vote | News | loudounnow.com
School Divisions Prepare For Winter Weather | Rockingham County | dnronline.com
Ed. Department Updates
UNLOCKING CAREER SUCCESS
On November 14, the Department launched “Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success,” a new Administration initiative — supported by the Departments of Commerce and Labor — to increase and expand access to high-quality training programs and help young Americans pursue jobs in today’s in-demand fields, as well as be prepared for careers of the future. Backed by $120 billion dedicated to K-12 education under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act funding, the Administration is ensuring the next generation is building the skills necessary to fill high-paying jobs, like those created via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act. This includes expanding access to skills-based learning and training pathways, such as Registered Apprenticeships, in key industries.
As part of the launch, the agency specifically announced $5.6 million in Perkins funds for a new program to expand work-based learning opportunities for students, issued new guidance on how federal funds may be used to develop and expand career pathway programming, and will host regional summits with students, educators, employers, and other stakeholders to elevate successes and discuss challenges.
And in support of the launch, coinciding with the first day of National Apprenticeship Week, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Secretary Cardona, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh traveled to Chicago to meet with students enrolled in a career-connected learning program at Rolling Meadows High School and visit an Aon facility to highlight the value of Registered Apprenticeships, particularly in non-traditional industries and corporate careers with a focus on under-represented populations and communities in critical sectors (readout, video from Rolling Meadows, and First Lady’s remarks, Secretary Cardona’s remarks, and video from Aon).
ACCELERATED LEARNING
Then, on November 16, Secretary Cardona traveled to Los Angeles to join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Proposition 49 — the state’s after-school and safety act — and uplifting the Engage Every Student Initiative. The two visited Bell Gardens Intermediate School, where they spoke with students, educators, and staff about the importance of expanded learning programs. They also toured the school’s After-School All-Stars program. “I want to see a commitment at all levels…[for] after-school programs like I saw here today,” the Secretary noted. “Our goal is not just to recover from the last two years, but to give students more ability to thrive, to be engaged, to go onto to postsecondary education” (LAist article and photos 1 and 2).
