Music Education Policy Roundup – October 18, 2020

State & National News

Michigan health department tells school districts to post all COVID data online

10/6/2020- ‘Schools must notify their communities of all COVID cases linked to their schools, Michigan’s top health official ruled Tuesday.’

State ed chiefs rethinking accountability during COVID-19

10/7/2020- ‘State education leaders should think about leveraging information from accountability systems mainly to put in place support initiatives for school improvement, according to leaders who attended a webinar Tuesday hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers, rather than using it to make claims about school performance.’

Alabama colleges back away from using ACT/SAT scores for admission

10/12/2020- ‘The majority of Alabama’s four-year universities are doing away with requiring college admissions test scores in 2021 school year terms, continuing a new policy that began in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.’

Some States See Better Than Expected Revenues, But Budget Outlook Is Still Tough

10/10/2020- ‘Evaporating federal aid and uncertainty over what will happen next with the virus and the economic recovery are casting a long shadow over states’ finances.’

Colorado school reopening updates: Denver takes a second look at its reopening plans as cases increase

10/12/2020- ‘Confirmed COVID cases in Denver are now at their highest point since May, and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and local public health officials warned residents the city could move backwards and impose more restrictions on businesses and events if the trajectory doesn’t change.’

Mississippi Gov. Nominates Two to State Board of Education

10/14/2020- ‘The governor’s office announced Tuesday that Reeves has chosen Angela Bass of Jackson and Glenn East of Gulfport.’

Research & Analysis

How the 2020 State Elections Could Shape Education Systems

Education Commission of the States: With national attention on the presidential race this election year, it can be easy to forget the important leadership positions and ballot measures that voters will be deciding on this November. The impact these races can have on states’ education systems is not something to be skipped, so we’re tracking these races closely to keep you informed.

Proposal for New Federal Education Credit and Accountability System

A new policy paper published by the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project proposes two new federal government programs designed to bridge the divide between higher education and the workforce system. The goal of these linked new programs and funding streams, the paper’s co-authors argue, is to expand and equalize access to postsecondary education, reduce the sector’s reliance on in-person instruction and to develop a “cumulative science” of adult learning.

Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.