Education Secretary Miguel Cardona Testifies at House Education Committee Hearing

Publication Number 97 June 29, 2021

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Testifies at U.S. House Education Committee Hearing

USDEOn June 24, 2021, Miguel A. Cardona, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), testified at a hearing by the U.S. House Education Committee on Education and Labor on education policies and priorities at USDE. Cardona was confirmed as USDE Secretary in March 2021.

Dr. Cardona’s remarks included comments about the American Rescue Plan Act, USDE funding levels, investment in improving students' physical and mental health, teacher training and support, improving career pathways, postsecondary education investments and student aid.

U.S. Department of Education Holds Two Sets of Hearing on Higher Education Policy

USDEThe U.S. Department of Education recently held two sets of public hearings in its effort to roll back several of the prior administration’s policies.

The Office of Postsecondary Education held virtual public hearings on June 21, 23, and 24, 2021 to receive feedback on potential issues for future rulemaking sessions. USDE has suggested 14 items that may be considered for this rulemaking, including borrower defense to repayment and gainful employment. For full detail on this public hearing, see
USDE’s announcement. Transcripts of the hearing testimony will be available.

The Office for Civil Rights held a virtual public hearing from June 7 to June 11, 2021 for the purpose of improving enforcement of Title IX and to implement President Biden's March 8 Executive Order on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. For full detail on this public hearing, see USDE’s announcement. Transcripts of this hearing will be available.

National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity to Meet July 2021

On July 27-29, 2021, there will be a virtual meeting of USDE’s National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). NACIQI is the advisory body that provides recommendations to the Secretary of Education on recognition of accrediting organizations. Recognition by USDE affirms that the standards and processes of the accrediting organizations are compliant of USDE’s criteria.
On the agenda at the meeting are:

  • Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
  • Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
  • American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
  • American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
  • American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation.
  • Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
  • Council on Occupational Education.
  • Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission.

Additional presentations at NACIQI will include conversations about administration policy, the Accreditor Dashboards, NACIQI policy authority in statute and a report from the Subcommittee on Student Success.

Registration information is included in the Federal Register notice announcing the meeting.

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