Here They Come: Proposed Federal Regulations for Teacher Preparation Programs
The U.S. Department of Education is moving on finalizing the proposed federal regulations for all 25,000 teacher preparation programs across the country. Given some questions and misinformation I have received since the comment period closed, I want to clarify a key piece of information:
As drafted and released in December 2014, these proposed regulations would apply to each individual teacher preparation program at your institution regardless of whether you offer TEACH grants.
Since the public comment period closed in February, AACTE has been continuing to meet with members of Congress on the regulations as work has unfolded in the appropriations process, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the beginnings of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. While these efforts have had an impact, action by Congress to impede the proposed regulations will only unfold if members of Congress hear their constituents’ voice.
The Importance of the Constituent Voice
Please do not assume that your representatives in Washington, DC, know about the proposed teacher preparation program regulations. Now is the time to send your comments to Congress and to work with colleagues in your department to send their comments as well.
Sharing your comments with your senators and representative is vital to ensure that they and their staff are aware of the issue. There is a lot happening across the nation, in your home state, and in your district that warrants their attention or action, and it is your voice as a constituent that will help ensure that these proposed regulations are on the list of items for their attention.
Details and Timeline
Please view the most recent webinar here for a full update as of early August, including some key pieces of information on the proposed regulations and K-12 testing and assessments.
In order to have the final regulations implementable and enforceable by July 1, 2016, the final regulation must be completed by November 1, 2015. We expect that the U.S. Department of Education is aiming to meet this deadline.
Questions? Comments? Need assistance? Please contact me at dkoolbeck@aacte.org or 202-478-4506.
Tags: advocacy, federal issues
