As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the education sector, lawmakers all over the world are thinking of ways to improve the current situation. In the United States, there are several education bills under consideration that could bring positive changes to the field. In this article, we will discuss the top education bills that should be passed in 2021.
The Learning Recovery Act
The Learning Recovery Act (S.741) proposes to provide an additional $75 billion in funding to schools nationwide. This funding will help schools to hire more teachers, and provide them with better resources and technology to improve the quality of education. The bill aims to create a learning recovery plan that will address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students in the post-pandemic world. The legislation also calls for regular progress assessments to monitor students’ progress and ensure they receive the targeted support they need.
Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers
Healthcare workers have been on the front lines since the onset of the pandemic, working tirelessly to keep patients safe and healthy. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act (H.R. 6720) proposes to forgive the federal student loan debt of frontline healthcare workers who have made significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19. The bill aims to support these workers by lifting the financial burden of student loan debt, enabling them to focus on their critical work without worrying about loans.
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act (S. 779) aims to increase the maximum award of the Pell Grant from $6,495 to $13,000 per year. The Pell Grant provides need-based financial aid to low-income undergraduate students, and this increase would help to provide additional access and affordability. The bill also proposes to eliminate restrictions on Pell grant eligibility, such as an exclusion for incarcerated individuals.
The Closing the Homework Gap Act
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed existing disparities in internet access, particularly among low-income students and families in rural areas. The Closing the Homework Gap Act (H.R. 7308) proposes to create a $4 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide funding for K-12 students to access high-quality, reliable internet service at home. This funding would help to ensure that all students have equal access to online learning resources, regardless of location or financial status.
The National Apprenticeship Act
The National Apprenticeship Act (S. 447) proposes to invest $3.5 billion over five years to expand apprenticeship programs. This bill aims to create 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities and will create a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships to provide guidance and support. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, giving workers hands-on experience and enabling them to earn a paycheck while learning valuable skills.
Conclusion
Education is a fundamental human right, and it’s crucial for lawmakers to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education. The Learning Recovery Act, Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act, Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, Closing the Homework Gap Act, and National Apprenticeship Act are just a few of the bills that could bring significant changes and improvements to the education sector. It’s now up to policymakers to make these changes a reality, providing students and families with the support they need to succeed.
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