#NPS15 HIGHER EDUCATION ACT

Background  Current version of HEA was passed in 2008 as the Higher Education Opportunity Act  Reauthorization was originally scheduled in 2013  Several changes have been made to the law through the budget process or other bills  Both chambers spent considerable time on HEA in 2014—hearings and legislation

Current Status  Regulatory issues and Administration proposals have been center stage  College ratings  Gainful employment regulations  “Free community college  Teacher preparation regulations  Congress likely to turn to full HEA reauthorization later this year  Key issues include affordability, accountability, simplification, informed decision making, completion

ACTE Priorities  Reduce barriers to short-term higher education  Ensure adequate access to financial aid programs for all students  Support CTE teacher preparation programs & alternative paths to certification  Evaluate data collection requirements to reduce burden and ensure program integrity

Key Bills  Creating Quality Technical Educators Act (Sens. Kaine, Portman and Baldwin)  Modifies the Teacher Quality Partnership program to allow funds for preparing CTE teachers  Jumpstarting our Businesses by Supporting Students Act (Sen. Landrieu)  Extends Pell eligibility to some short-term programs  CTE Opportunity Act (Sen. Baldwin)  Extends student loan eligibility to some short-term programs

Today’s Speakers  Jim Hermes, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, American Association of Community Colleges  Mary Alice McCarthy, Senior Policy Analyst, New America Foundation