WCET - WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)’s Post

Major changes loom on the horizon for #postsecondary #distanceeducation programs in the US, and we are now in a temporary limbo of uncertainty. The Department of Education’s Program Integrity and #InstitutionalQuality #negotiatedrulemaking sessions ended on March 7. Despite tons of suggestions and hours of discussion, none of the distance and #digitaleducation issues reached “consensus” among the negotiators. That leaves the Department with the responsibility of writing proposed rules. What will they do? Read today's post on #WCETFrontiers to learn more: https://ow.ly/Lp3N50QXFBq

Here is the WCET - WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET) call for action regarding the proposed #distanceeducation & #distancelearning regulations from the U.S. Department of Education. We suggest reviewing the regulations, seeing what the impact would be on your students, and talking to elected officials if your institution is concerned...

On 29 February 2024 ‘Schoolsweek’ reported that education secretary at the time, Gillian Keegan, was claiming that Teacher pay awards should return to a “more sustainable level” than seen in the last two years. It is fascinating to see how the language changes in these matters. Not so long ago the teachers were being exhorted by Keegan to accept a ‘responsible’ offer. I am arguing that the use of the term ‘’sustainable’ is a classic example of what we have come to know as ‘spin’. Spin being a well-known phenomenon in political messaging.  The idea being that it is not so much the content of the message that counts but how it is presented. or perhaps it is that the way the message is presented affects how the reader interprets the content!! “Spin, public relations and lobbying are about the ‘engineering of consent” (Miller and Dinan 2008:5). The question then is the extent to which teachers, and the public, will allow themselves to be engineered into consent? I think the idea idea of a ‘return’ to sustainable levels is clever as it is redolent of conservative ideology which is about valuing and preserving traditional institutions, customs, and values. By saying that there is a ‘return’ there is a tacit assumption that teacher pay was at a sustainable level before. Of course, ‘sustainable’ might be code for 'low' and therefore more easily affordable rather than ‘just’ and ‘adequate’. Sustainability is also a concept that is a prominent discourse in the zeitgeist and is seen by many as an indisputably ‘good’ thing. Not surprising that Keegan is keen to hitch her policy wagon to such a notion. What do people think?       Teacher pay: Keegan wants 'more sustainable' rises next year (schoolsweek.co.uk)

The impacts of these proposed regulations will be felt most deeply by students who are underserved by our traditional higher education programs. Please learn more about the proposed regulations and how you can advocate on behalf of students.

"Waiting for the official comment period will be too late. Let the Department know and inform your elected Representatives and Senators. #Onlinelearning #distancelearning #actnow Review current processes to determine what changes might need to be made should the proposed language be finalized as regulations. Work with your government relations department to contact your federal and state elected officials. Tell a story about how a proposal might affect your institution and your students. What is the impact of curtailing reciprocity? Will taking roll in online courses “simplify” your lives? If you are a clock-hour institution, who will be hurt by disallowing asynchronous courses? Emails or Letters can be sent to: Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education [email protected] James Kvaal Under Secretary of Education [email protected] U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202"

Important information for Institutions of Higher Education as it relates to distance education and potential changes forthcoming. As always, the Department has the ability to make changes to the proposed changes and the final rule could be more restrictive than what has been proposed. Additionally, considering that we are in an election year, a change in administration could also impact how this unfolds... stay tuned.

📣 The ACT is EVOLVING! 📣 The ACT is evolving how students take the ACT test, with changes like optional sections and short test timeframes, all to better optimize students' strengths and goals. Regardless of any changes, OnToCollege is here to help you achieve your post-secondary education goals! through comprehensive test prep. Read more from the ACT at https://hubs.ly/Q02H0wzq0

Education Commission of the States is my go-to source for education policy truth. I love this rundown of what to expect and how to partner with their phenomenal team: https://lnkd.in/gUSBwbMA

As a small university deeply integrated into the educational landscape of California—a state in which we do not participate in SARA—we are acutely aware of the challenges and complexities involved in enrolling out-of-state students in online programs. The proposed policy changes by the Biden administration concerning the current reciprocity agreements in higher education are of significant concern for others who participate in SARA. These agreements currently play a crucial role in enabling colleges to bypass some of the laws in the states where their students are located, facilitating broader access to online education. We recognize the importance of staying informed about these policy changes and their potential effects on the future of higher education. #HigherEducation #PolicyChanges #CollegeEnrollment

*Exciting News* New Book being published 17 June 2024! Improving Education Policy Together is a joint work between the amazing Nansi Ellis and me. It explores the historical, organisational, structural, and personal factors that shape the making of education policy in England today, and offers a better way! Policy-making can, and should, be collaborative, iterative, and long-term. Our book explains why AND gives policy-makers the tools needed to do things differently - and better - in the future. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/etbizu6A