The United States Department of Education has identified several strategies to increase educational equity and ensure that schools around the nation serve all kids. These efforts build on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan’s unprecedented investment in schools as engines of equity and opportunity. These programs are intended to build on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s record funding for schools as drivers of equity and opportunity. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided for this funding. The activities are intended not just to address the inequalities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but also to urge schools to reinvent their education systems and practices and include equity in every part of their work.
The pandemic has exacerbated the inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will ensure that all students have access to rigorous, culturally appropriate, and engaging instruction. The decisions are part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to implement President Biden’s Day One Executive Order, which aims to promote racial equity and support for underserved communities across the federal government and to rebuild schools and communities to a higher standard than before the pandemic Press Office. (2022, 4 14). The Day One Executive Order also aspires to reconstruct schools and communities to a higher standard than before the outbreak.
Providing help for student loan borrowers is one such adjustment made in the education department. As a result of the epidemic, many student loan borrowers have struggled with unemployment, reduced work hours, and other forms of financial stress. Therefore, the Department of Education has increased its efforts to assist these individuals. The Department of Education’s preliminary efforts to give targeted loan relief has resulted in the cancellation of $17 billion in student loans for more than 700,000 students Press Office. (2022, 4 14). It includes $1.5 billion for borrowers whose educational institutions abused them, $7.8 billion for more than 400,000 debtors with a total and permanent impairment, and $1.26 billion for more than 100,000 borrowers who attended the defunct ITT Technical Institute. The Department of Education also revised the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program in October 2021. This program allows borrowers to pursue and work in lower-paying occupations without being overburdened by student loan debt. The Department of Education announced modifications to the program, allowing borrowers to obtain credit for past disbursement periods on loans that may not otherwise qualify for PSLF. Therefore
It is the mission of the Department to help states, school districts, and higher education institutions across the nation provide a high-quality education to all of the nation’s students, with a focus on those kids who are most at risk and who confront the most challenging barriers. The Administration’s objective is to lay a firm foundation that will help the nation become better, stronger, and more inclusive so that every person in the United States has the opportunity to reach their full potential Press Office. (2021, 6 9). As a result of the revisions that have been made, the overall number of available teaching posts will increase. It will reduce the number of individuals seeking employment in the United States, stabilizing the economy. The concept of channeling financing to neglected neighborhoods will have a positive impact, which will lead to greater equality among the diverse populations that make up the United States Press Office. (2021, 6 9). Since the policy concentrates on subsidizing organizations known to serve blacks and native Americans, it will contribute to the eradication of a long history of discrimination based on race.
The decision announced by the Department of Education to forgive and cancel student loans will have a significant influence not just on the individual student but also on the student’s family as a whole. The students are wondering whether or not they will receive some financial aid if they are working students. It will make it possible for students to save money or participate in other programs with the money they earn, which will aid in their recovery from the effects of COVID-19. The weight will be taken off the parents’ and guardians’ shoulders, and they will then be able to concentrate on improving their lives in the years following COVID 19. The ruling will greatly assist low-income households fighting a losing battle to repay the loans using the bare minimum of their available funds.
Preference will be given to public schools, particularly those with many children whose families come from low-income economic backgrounds. Compared to existing schools, these new schools will be eligible for a more considerable amount of money. It will ensure that all individuals are treated equitably Press Office. (2022, 4 14). As a direct result of COVID-19, the nation’s public schools will benefit from an increase in the number of competent educators and the introduction of new therapy programs to assist people with impairments. These benefits will empower public schools nationwide to serve all kids better.
In order to plan well for future financial objectives, one needs to establish a budget early enough and be disciplined enough to live within the budget to avoid any future financial surprises. Keeping one’s spending in check helps to cut down on the number of times that one would need to take out a loan, which in turn shields one from taking on unneeded debt.
References
Press Office. (2021). Department of Education Announces Actions to Advance Equity in Education.
Press Office. (2022). Department of Education Releases Equity Action Plan as Part of Biden-Harris Administration’s Efforts to Advance Racial Equity and Support Underserved Communities.