Bipartisan Effort on Education August 14, 2009 3:54 PM
A pair of unlikely allies have come together on Education Reform. "Education Secretary Arne Duncan is joining forces with two unlikely allies, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Republican former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to push cities to fix failing schools," reports Yahoo News in an Associated Press article. "Gingrich applauded Obama for showing 'real courage on the issue of charter schools.' Obama wants to increase the number of charter schools, which have a controversial history and are a divisive issue for his party's base."
Share your views on the Education in America in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
Candidates Take Position on Student Loans October 30, 2008 10:34 AM
The NY Times today covered Senator Obama and McCain's positions on student loans. One of the interesting notes was that Senator Obama only finished paying off his law school loans in 2004! The article presents both candidates views on the issues and how they might make loans less burdensome for the high percentage of young Americans who rely on loans to afford college. Read the article and then comment on their positions in the public forum. And don't forget, if you don't vote, you can't complain. Election day is 5 days away!
-- Association of Young Americans
2008 election, Education | Comments (0)
Young Americans' Top Concerns October 8, 2008 8:37 AM
18 to 35 year olds from over 30 states took the Association of Young American's National Issues Survey, stating what national policy issues concerned them most. The top 5 issues of concern are:
1) Education
2) Healthcare
3) Jobs and the Economy
4) Environment / Climate Change
5) Iraq
Over the next few days we will be featuring each of these 5 issues here on our blog. Today, the most identified issue of concern: Education.
Nationally, our K-12 and higher education systems have been found to need significant overhauls. "The most recent Program for International Student Assessment showed that U.S. 15-year-olds trailed their peers from many industrialized countries. The average science score of U.S. students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based group that represents the world's richest countries. The U.S. students were further behind in math, trailing counterparts in 23 countries," according to a Washington Post report.
As detailed on the AYA Higher Education Issue Paper: The Department of Education formed the Commission on Higher Education and charged it with developing a comprehensive national strategy for postsecondary education that will meet the needs of America's diverse population and also address the economic and workforce needs of the country's future." The Commission approved a final report that "urges a broad shake-up of American higher education" including: every student having the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education, restructuring the entire financial aid system and increasing federal investment in areas "critical to our nation's global competitiveness."
You can learn more about the Presidential candidates positions on education through the links to their websites below:
John McCain
Barack Obama
Ralph Nader
Bob Barr
And as always we encourage you to share your thoughts and views in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
2008 election, Activism, Education | Comments (0)
Education Expenses/Cuts September 2, 2008 9:41 PM
With a new school year beginning, many school and students are faced with higher costs. "As 50 million children return to classes across the nation, crippling increases in the price of fuel and food, coupled with the economic downturn, have left schools from California to Florida to Maine cutting costs. Some are trimming bus service, others are restricting travel, and a few are shortening the school week. And as many districts are forced to cut back, the number of poor and homeless students is rising," reports the New York Times. " The Caldwell Parish School District, in northern Louisiana, took a more sweeping approach to saving fuel by eliminating Monday classes. The district joined about 100 systems nationwide, most of them rural, that in recent years have adopted a for-day schedule. The district's superintendent, John Sartin, said the move should save $145,000 in a $15 million budget. The decision, made in June, came after crude oil prices had risen for 29 consecutive days, Mr. Sartin said."
Do you think that cutting the school week is a good way to meet budgets for schools? Do you think more money should be spent on public education? Share your views in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Congress Approves New Student Loan Rules August 7, 2008 9:06 AM
Reacting to perrenially rising higher education costs and the recent problems of relationships between lenders and universities, Congress passed, by large margins, new regulations related to higher education. "The bill is an effort to keep college costs down through greater transparency and perhaps shaming without imposing price controls. It requires colleges and universities to report more information about their costs and prices, to be released by the Education Department in user-friendly lists; those with the largest percentage tuition increases will have to tell the department why they were needed and what they will do to keep costs down. The measure passed in the House by 380 to 49 and in the Senate by 83 to 8. The measure also simplifies federal financial-aid forms, and, for the first time, makes Pell grants for low-income students available year-round, not just during the academic year. It also requires colleges to disclose all relationships with student lenders and bans all gifts and revenue-sharing agreements between institutions and lenders offering federal and private loans," reports the New York Times.
In recent remarks about higher education Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings stated: "Is it acceptable that the average graduating student is saddled with $20,000 in debt? $20,000 farther away from buying a home and starting a family. $20,000 less likely to give back to their country through teaching or public service. [...] The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems estimates that to keep up with international competition, at least 20 million more Americans must access higher education by 2025. 20 million people! That's twice as many as the GI Bill aimed to serve."
Share your experiences trying to pay college costs and your thoughts on making higher education more accessible in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Education in the U.S. June 9, 2008 12:50 PM
Lat night, Secretary of Education Spellings was the keynote speaker at the Reagan Library for the opening of a new center there. In her remarks, Secretary Spellings stated: "What does it mean for our nation that we will be a minority majority country by the middle of this century, but only half of our African American and Hispanic students currently graduate from high school on time? Or that over 90 percent of our fastest growing jobs require postsecondary education, but only nine percent of low-income students currently earn college degrees by age 24? These statistics are alarming, and we risk becoming a stratified nation, where segments of our population lack access to the opportunities of the 21st century."
What do you think of the statictics Sec. Spellings highlighted? Share your thoughts on the state of primary and secondary education in the US in our Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Gov't Support of Private Student Lenders May 22, 2008 8:39 AM
With troubled credit markets, there has been concern that there would not be sufficient funds to meet the need for student loans. "Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings on Wednesday announced a plan committing the federal government to buy college loans for the coming school year from student lending companies and to take other measures to ensure that despite troubled credit markets, students will have access to college financing," reports the New York Times. "In a letter to lenders, Ms. Spellings said lenders would have the option to sell to the government student loans issued under the Federal Family Education Loan Program for the 2008-9 year. The government would pay face value plus accrued interest and origination fees as well as $75 per loan to cover administrative costs, Ms. Spellings said."
Have you had difficult obtaining loans to pay for your college tuition and expenses? In what ways do you think the federal government should help students pay for college? You can learn more about the federal student loan programs on our website here. Share your thoughts and experiences in the Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student loan bill passes Congress; President expected to sign May 8, 2008 3:43 PM
With recent problems in the credit industry, Congress has passed a bill to shore up the availability of loans for higher education costs. "The legislation increases limits on how much borrowers can receive in federally subsidized student loans. That should decrease student reliance on more expensive private loans. Some students have had trouble getting those nonfederal private loans because lenders have left the market in recent months due to the credit crunch," reports Yahoo News. "The legislation also nudges up grant aid to poor students and gives the Education Department the authority to buy up loans from student lenders to ensure they have access to capital and can keep issuing loans. Bush said he was pleased by Congress' swift action because millions of students around the country could potentially benefit from the legislation."
Have you had difficulty meeting your college tuition and expense bills recently? Learn more about federal loan programs in our Higher Education series and share your experiences and thoughts in our Forums.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student Debt Cards March 17, 2008 12:11 PM
An article in the USA Today highlights the growing use of College ID cards as Debit cards and the relationships between Universities and financial institutions. The article noted that at Portland State University "Students just had to activate their ID as a debit card by opening a bank account promoted by the university. The school, under an exclusive deal with a bank, earned money when students swiped their cards and signed for a purchase. It also profited based on how much money students kept in their accounts. Hundreds of students protested, angry that the school was promoting a bank account they felt cost students more than other banking options. Their objections now are being echoed by a growing number of consumer groups and college students across the nation. They argue that universities are profiting at students' expense through exclusive debit card and checking account deals that can net a school hundreds of thousands of dollars a year." The practice is not uncommon around the country.
Do you have a school ID card that doubles as a Debit card? Are you familiar with the fees and rules regarding use of the card? Share your experiences in our Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
$34 Million in Student Loan Money January 26, 2008 10:14 PM
The New York Times reports that "The Education Department has brushed aside a finding by its own inspector general that a student lender improperly received $34 million in federal subsidies, and is instructing the lender to decide for itself how much money it should pay back. In a letter sent Friday to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, a state-owned company that makes and guarantees student loans, the department said it had estimated the overpayment at only $15.1 million, and said in a separate letter that it agreed with only some of the findings of the inspector general. But it told the agency to calculate for itself the amount it thought it had overbilled the government. Any final payment would require the approval of the Education Department."
Are you concerned about the Education Department's handling of student loan programs? Learn more about federal student loan programs here. Share your thoughts and questions in our Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Paying Tuition at Yale January 15, 2008 10:57 AM
Yale recently announced they are creating a tiered system whereby family income will determine the amount a student pays to attend the Ivy League institution. As reported in the USA Today, "Its new undergraduate financial aid policy, which will go into effect for all new or returning students beginning this fall, will exempt more lower-income parents from having to contribute to their child's education, and cut the average cost of attendance by thousands of dollars for families with incomes of up to $200,000. The changes are similar to initiatives unveiled last month by Harvard, with whom Yale competes for students, and part of a longer-term trend among wealthier colleges to remove or limit loans from financial aid packages."
What is your experience with paying for college? You can share your experiences in our Education Forum and Learn more through our Higher Education Issue series.
-- Association of Young Americans
State Student Loan Corporations December 10, 2007 9:53 AM
Over the years, many states have established quasi-government corporations to administer student loan programs. "When Iowa set up a corporation to make student loans more available, it hoped to expand access to college. Now state officials are investigating whether the corporation's aggressive practices to get business help explain why Iowa's college graduates have the nation's second-highest debt burden per student," reports the New York Times. "The sector is fast-growing and largely unregulated, and was the focus of recent state and federal investigations that turned up perks and rewards paid to college financial aid officers and universities to promote certain loan companies. Iowa Student Loan's efforts echo such practices."
How do you think public dollars for higher Education should be allocated? Do you think there should be standards established? Learn more about federal student loan programs here. Share your thoughts and experiences with student loans in the Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
The Role of Education Debt on Job Choices November 30, 2007 11:48 AM
As many young people know who attend college, while higher education is a tremendous opportunity that greatly increases your employment options, completing a 4 year degree (and maybe graduate school after) forces most students to incur significant debt. Upon departing academia, the need to pay of tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars of debt can be a determining factor in job choice. An article in the Washington Post discusses this choice faced by many graduates of college and professional school. "Consider MBA students torn between Wall Street or a small start-up. Or medical students deciding between family practice or more lucrative specialties such as radiology or orthopedics." The article notes how large the debt and salary disparities can be. "The American Bar Association reports that the average amount private law school students borrowed in 2005-06 reached about $83,200; the total was about $54,500 for those in public law schools. The median starting salary for lawyers at non-governmental or public interest organizations is $40,000, according to NALP, and for those in government, $48,000. For private practice lawyers, the median is $95,000."
Did you face a decision between a job you thought would be more satisfying and a higher paying job? Was the amount of your student debt a factor in your job selection after granudation? Share your experience in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Cost of College Rises Again October 22, 2007 1:56 PM
In recent years the cost of a college education has increased well beyond the rate of inflation and even healthcare expenses. "Including room and board for students living on campus, charges for public four-year colleges were $13,589, or 5.9 percent higher than last year. At private four-year schools, total charges rose by the same percentage to $32,307. George Washington University in Washington, D.C. recently attracted attention for becoming the first major university with a published price, including room and board, of more than $50,000," reports Yahoo News. The College Board today released it's annual survey of student aid and college costs. The report also notes trends in Student Aid, and found "In 2006-07, undergraduate students received $97.1 billion in financial aid, 74 percent of total aid to postsecondary students. The two largest sources of aid to undergraduates are federal loans, which make up 40 percent of the total, and grants from colleges and universities, which comprise 21 percent of the total." A press release and full copy of the report are available on the College Board's website here. You can learn more about student Loans in our Higher Education Issue paper. Share your experiences paying for college in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student Loan Rate Reduction? September 6, 2007 5:01 PM
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators reports that the House and Senate "met yesterday to hammer out a compromise on the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, a bill that uses reconciliation language to cut subsidies to student loan providers and increase need-based aid like the Pell Grant. Under a deal reached last night, the conference report would increase the Pell Grant to $5,400 and lower the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans to 3.4 percent over the next five years. Republicans expressed "regret" that a more compromising tone could not be reached in finalizing the legislation. Democrats were elated that the bill would "ease the financial burdens college costs impose on students and families and expand college access for low-income and minority students." A press release from the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee notes that "[t]he legislation, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, would boost college aid by roughly $20 billion over the next five years. The legislation pays for itself by reducing excessive federal subsidies paid to lenders in the college loan industry. It also includes $750 million in federal budget deficit reduction." The Association of Young Americans' High Education Series contains information about the federal student loan programs.
What, if anything, do you think the federal government can and/or should be doing about the high costs young americans are paying to attend college? Share your thoughts in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Bonuses to Student Loan Execs August 22, 2007 8:35 PM
The Pennsylvania student loan agency awarded approximately half a million dollars to its top executives. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that "The bonuses are being awarded months after Rendell and some state lawmakers chastised the agency over its travel spending. The spending came to light in records PHEAA was forced to release in March after losing a 19-month legal battle with The Associated Press, The Patriot-News and WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. The documents detailed how board members, as well as PHEAA staffers and guests, spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on trips to exclusive resorts as far away as California between 2000 and 2005. The expenditures ranged from transportation and lodging to extravagant banquets, bar bills, golf outings and spa treatments." Learn more about federal student loan programs here. Share your thoughts on these types of activities in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Education Dept and Student Lenders August 10, 2007 9:24 AM
Following New York state investigations of student lenders and a GAO report critical of the oversight of the industry by the Education Department, Secretary Spellings yesterday asked "universities and lenders to abide voluntarily by its proposed rules banning certain marketing practices by loan companies, before the rules take effect next year," reports the New York Times. "Ms. Spellings said the department was also following up on letters it sent in June to more than 900 colleges and universities where 80 percent or more of the loan volume is held by a single lender, asking for more information about the relationships some colleges have with lenders." Are you taking out private loans to pay for your education? Did your schools financial aid office recommend a specific lender to you? Share your experience in our Education Forum, along with your ideas for what rules should govern colleges and universities relationships with lending companies.
-- Association of Young Americans
Another Student Lender Settles Inquiry August 1, 2007 9:45 AM
Yet another student lender has paid money to resolve the inquiry over their lending and business practices. "One of the nation's largest student loan companies, Nelnet, agreed yesterday to pay $2 million into a fund to educate high school students about financing college, settling an inquiry into its business practices by the New York attorney general," reports the New York Times. "Under the New York agreement, Nelnet separately agreed to stop paying university alumni associations to market loans to their members, and to abide by a code of conduct that prohibits practices like giving a university money or other incentives in exchange for steering students to a particular lender. The company will also stop operating call centers on behalf of college financial aid offices a practice that was criticized because call center staff members might be biased in their advice to students." What do you think of the revelations over the last year about practices of student loan companies? Do you think there should be national standards and/or best practices established for loan companies lending to student or college financial aid departments? Share your ideas in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Time Allocation in School Day July 25, 2007 2:25 PM
A new report by the Center on Education Policy shows significant changes in the amount of time spent on various subjects in elementary school. "In the five years since a federal law mandated an expansion of reading and math tests, 44 percent of school districts nationwide have made deep cutbacks in social studies, science, art and music lessons in elementary grades and have even slashed lunchtime, a new survey has found. The most detailed look at the rapidly changing American school day, in a report released today, found that most districts sharply increased time spent on reading and math," reports the Washington Post. One of the reports findings was that "Since 2001-02, most districts have changed their ELA [english language arts] and math curricula to put greater emphasis on the content and skills covered on the state tests used for NCLB."
What do you think of increasinf the time spend on subject in order to improve test scores on standardized tests? Do you think that math and english deserve significantly more classroom time than science, social studies, art or civics? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Non-Profit Student Lenders July 19, 2007 2:39 PM
Following significant scrutiny of the for-profit student loan industry earlier this year, spearheaded by the NY Attorney General, Congress is turning to non-profit student lenders. "The chairman of the House education committee called yesterday for an investigation into whether nonprofit student loan companies are abusing their tax-exempt status," reports the Washington Post. "The focus on the nation's 35 or so nonprofit lenders comes amid a nationwide probe this year of the $85 billion-a-year student loan industry, which has revealed conflict-of-interest scandals involving lenders and university financial aid offices. The Senate began debate yesterday on legislation to overhaul the federal student loan system and limit those ties." Learn more about the federal student loan program here. How do you think the federal government can best allocate resources to helpe students afford college? Share your thoughts in the Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student Loan Bill June 14, 2007 4:36 PM
The House Education Committee approved a bill which will cut subsidies to student lenders while increasing various benefits to students. "The bill raises the maximum Pell grants for low- and moderate-income students over the next five years, to $5,200 from the current $4,700. It eases repayment for students relying on federal loans to pay for college, by lowering the maximum a graduate must make in loan payments to 15 percent of income, rather than the current 20 percent. It also offers $4,000 a year in tuition assistance for students planning to become public school teachers and forgives up to $5,000 in student loans for graduates who enter public service, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses and public defenders," reports the New York Times. "The bill pays for the estimated $18 billion in expanded benefits to students through some $19 billion in cuts to lender payments. Another $750 million of the savings will go toward reducing the federal deficit." Learn more about student loans here on our website. Share your thoughts and experiences with with student loans in our Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Education Disparity Among States June 10, 2007 11:38 AM
Under the No Child Left Behind law, children are to all be proficient in Math and Reading by the middle of the next decade, though significant leeway is given to individual states to set standards. "Academic standards vary so drastically from state to state that a fourth grader judged proficient in reading in Mississippi or Tennessee would fall far short of that mark in Massachusetts and South Carolina, the United States Department of Education said yesterday in a report that, for the first time, measured the extent of the differences," reports the New York Times. "Many education experts criticize No Child Left Behind, saying it gives states an incentive to set low standards to avoid sanctions on schools that do not increase the percentage of students demonstrating proficiency each year. Those experts argue that uniform national standards are needed. But Congress is unlikely to go that far. [Secretary of Education] Spellings said, 'It's way too early to conclude we need to adopt national standards' and added that it is also too early to conclude that state standards are too low." What do you think the role of the federal governemtn should be in monitoring and/or setting standards for K-12 education? What is your experience with what works and what does not work in educating elementary and hish school students? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
High Schools partner with Community May 31, 2007 9:25 AM
While there are many different efforts to make positive improvements to poor high schools, some schools are partnering with local businesses and universities. The Christian Science Monitor reports, "Educators and policymakers across the country are increasingly turning to partnerships to try to engage high-schoolers more effectively. Local businesses, universities, and nonprofits provide mentors for students, as well as expertise to help schools create a more up-to-date curriculum. 'The opportunity to show students how the academic material is applied in the real world is incredibly important,' says Betsy Brand, director of the American Youth Policy Forum, a nonprofit in Washington." What do you think needs to be done to improve poor performing schools? Are you familiar with any initiatives in your community to improve the quality of the schools? Share your experiences in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
"Help Yourself" into College May 24, 2007 1:56 PM
A former President of Beloit College, Roger Hull, has started an organization, Help Yourself Foundation, working towards creating after-school academies on college campuses for at risk elementary school students. In an opinion piece in today's Christian Science Monitor, Mr. Hull describes the program: "The features of these academies (there are now four across the country) are an early start (third grade) because most experts agree that third grade is the last year to connect with students before 'the light goes out'; a set curriculum of science, math, and civics, developed by National Board Certified Teachers; parental (or surrogate) involvement so that what is done in the academy is not undone at home; a community board of school and college personnel; and one-on-one college mentors. Yet the key element of the academies is their location on a college campus. As I saw in those first days at Beloit in 1989, and as I saw again in academies established this year, the moment grade schoolers set foot on campus, college becomes part of their future. Their grades and test results improve, as, of course, do their prospects." Are you involved in, or aware of, any similar programs in your community? Tell us about them in the Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student Loan Choices May 17, 2007 3:53 PM
For the many college students graduating this month, the loans taken out to pay for their education are, or shortly will be, coming due. Navigating around multiple loans with potentially different companies at different rates and terms acan be confusing, along with whether to consolidate. Today's Christian Science Monitor reports that, "For most people who still have older, variable-rate loans, consolidation is still a good bet, says Rob LaBreche, president of consumer marketing for College Loan Corporation, a top student lender. 'For students graduating this year, 3 out of 4 of their [Stafford] loans will still have variable rates, and those rates will change again this summer,' he says. New rates are tied to the interest on three-month Treasury bills, and Mr. LaBreche expects that rate to rise this year, 'though not by much.' No one can predict how the Treasury-bill market will change before the Class of 2007 is done paying off its student loans. 'So consolidating now will let you lock in one rate and not have to worry about what will come,' he says." Are you just graduating with a significant amount of student loans to pay off? Have you been out of school for several years and already made decisions about handling your college debt? Share your experiences in our Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
House Prohibits gifts from Lenders to Schools May 11, 2007 9:17 AM
After significant revelations about student lenders providing gifts and benefits to colleges and their financial aid officers to gain "preferred" status on lists of lenders, the House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan ban on such gifts. "The vote, 414 to 3, demonstrated how politically potent the issue of paying for college has become at a time when tuition is steadily rising and millions of students depend on borrowing to finance college," reported the New York Times. "It comes in the wake of revelations that lenders paid universities money contingent on student loan volume, gave gifts to the financial aid administrators whom students rely on to recommend lenders, and hired financial aid officials as paid consultants. The nation's four largest student lenders and at least 22 colleges have already signed on to a code of conduct developed by Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo of New York." Share your thougths on the House bill and any experiences you have personally had, in our Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Education Dept. Loan Investigation May 5, 2007 10:43 AM
Following the New York Attorney General's investigation of conflicts of interest related to student loan companies relationships with Colleges, the Department of Education has launched an investigation. "The inspector general of the federal Education Department has opened an investigation into potential conflicts of interest at the agency that may have led to what lawmakers have characterized as lax oversight of the student loan industry," reports the New York Times. "'No one involved in running these programs should be engaging in any relationships or personal arrangements that could undermine or abuse programs that help students and their families pay for college,' Representative George Miller, Democrat of California and chairman of the House education committee, said in a statement. Last month, Mr. Miller sent a letter to the department's inspector general asking him to investigate." If you have taken out student loans, share your experience with student loans and how you choose which company to obtain your loan through. Our Education Forum is here.
-- Association of Young Americans
College Mandated Lender Workshops April 23, 2007 6:18 PM
In addition to Student loan companies providing perks and financial incentives to colleges and officials, some have also held seminars which colleges required students receiving loans to attend. "[C]olleges also give lenders crucial access to students when they are graduating, using lenders to conduct exit counseling required under federal law for students who have taken out federally guaranteed student loans. In some cases, loan company representatives come on campus and run sessions for seniors on loan repayment. In others, colleges direct students to loan company Web sites, including Wells Fargo, Citibank and Sallie Mae. And in many cases, the loan companies are pushing a product: their consolidation loans," reports the New York Times. "The Department of Education does not forbid the use of private lenders to conduct exit counseling, a spokeswoman, Jane Glickman, said. 'A lender may participate in exit counseling sessions offered by the school," she said, 'provided that the school maintains control of the session and school staff members are present.' Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the Massachusetts Democrat who is chairman of the education committee, is examining exit counseling as part of an investigation into student lending. Mr. Kennedy said in a statement, 'When schools refer students to these counseling services, they should be able to rely on honest advice about their financial future - not be subjected to unexpected marketing pitches from lenders.'" Havve you attended these kinds of exit counseling sessions? Do you think it is appropriate that they are conducted by private lenders, not university personnel? Share your thoughts in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Justice Department Probe of NCLB Program April 21, 2007 3:50 PM
A part of the No Child Left Behind Law is the subject of a Justice Department inquiry into financial conflicts of interest. "The disclosure came as a congressional hearing revealed how people implementing the $1 billion-a-year Reading First program made at least $1 million off textbooks and tests toward which the federal government steered states," reports the Washington Post. "The management of Reading First has come under attacks from members of both parties. Federal investigators say program officials improperly forced states to use certain tests and textbooks created by those officials. One official, Roland H. Good III, said his company made $1.3 million off a reading test, known as DIBELS, that was endorsed by a Reading First evaluation panel he sat on. Good, who owns half the company, Dynamic Measurement Group, told the committee that he donated royalties from the product to the University of Oregon, where he is an associate professor." Do you think individuals should be able to serve on government panels that are considering governement contracts which will financially benefit the individual? Share your thoughts in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Congress to Act on Student Lenders April 19, 2007 3:27 PM
With many revelations over the last month from an invesitgation by NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo about the relationships between private loan companies and colleges coming, members of Congress are taking notice and promising action. "Members of Congress say new rules, being pushed by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, on how loan companies deal with campuses should be applied nationwide. 'The case for major reform cannot be clearer. Our current student loan system is broken and national reform is required,' said Massachusetts Democrat Edward Kennedy, who leads the Senate education committee," reports Yahoo News. "Cuomo says his investigators uncovered numerous arrangements that benefited schools and lenders at the expense of students. For example, investigators say lenders have provided all-expense-paid trips for college financial aid officers who then steered students to the lenders."
What do think of lending institutions providing financial incentives to colleges or their financial aid officers? Did you take the advice of a financial aid officer at your school in making loan choices? Share your stories in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Getting into College April 9, 2007 1:37 PM
In the last few weeks, many high school seniors have been sweating out whether they have been accepted to the various schools to which they applied. "The frenzy over college admissions is well known. Stories abound about overstressed students who race from Japanese calligraphy classes to hockey practice to SAT tutors. Anecdotes about out-of-control parents who write college essays, monopolize questions at college information sessions and hound their children to make every moment a résumé-building one are plentiful," reports the New York Times. The MIT Dean of admissions is advocating for a change in this college application pressure cooker. "These teenagers, she said, are being raised to please adults and held to impossible standards. They are loaded down with A.P. classes and expected to participate in multiple extracurricular activities, demonstrate leadership, garner high SAT scores and, on top of that, have a "passion," a buzzword in college admissions. "It's ridiculous to expect that of them," Ms. Jones said. "Most teenagers have no passions at all, except sex." The pressure is literally making children sick, Ms. Jones said, citing increases in everything from eating disorders to depression. Her call to arms: reel in the pressure and start changing the culture. Parents need to back off. Children need downtime. High schools need to lower the pressure. Colleges need to be straight with teenagers."
Share your experiences with the college admissions process in our Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
School Vouchers March 28, 2007 6:57 AM
In a debate that comes and goes periodically, Utah has recently passed a school voucher program, which would allow some public money to be used to fund private education. The Utah law, "offers up to $3,000 a year to students who want to attend private schools. The money would be awarded on a sliding scale, the bulk of it going to low-income families, but there would be no upper-income limit for $500 vouchers," reports the Christian Science Monitor. "Proponents also argue that families should be able to apply some tax dollars to whatever school they choose. Opponents insist that public money should be used only for public schools, rather than to subsidize private and religious institutions."
In Milwaukee there has been a school voucher program since 1990. The Monitor article noted that, "there's no scholarly consensus that voucher programs in the US make a significant difference in student achievement. Two studies of the Milwaukee program, for instance, came up with different results, one showing improvement in reading and math scores for participants and the other showing no gains." What do you think about school vouchers? Do you see the idea as helpful to students? Harmful to Public schools? Be heard in the Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
NCLB Reading Program March 23, 2007 11:09 AM
A GAO report being released today raising questions as to the administration of a reading program which is part of the No Child Left Behind Act. "Education Department officials and their contractors appear to have improperly backed certain types of instruction in administering a $1 billion-a-year reading program, congressional investigators found. [...] The program is a key part of the 2002 No Child Left Behind law. It offers intensive reading help for low-income and struggling schools," reports the USA Today. "Deputy Education Secretary Ray Simon wrote in a response to the GAO report that the department would take steps to avoid future problems." A full copy of the report should become available on the GAO website. Share your thoughts on elementary education and the NCLB law in our Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Firing Teachers March 19, 2007 7:29 AM
Two teachers at a Los Angeles charter school because of a proposed Black History Month presentation. The school administrators "forbade students from reciting a poem about civil rights icon Emmett Till during a Black History Month program recently, saying his story was unsuitable for an assembly of young children. Teachers and students said the administration suggested that the Till case in which the teenager was beaten to death in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white woman was not fitting for a program intended to be celebratory, and that Till's actions could be viewed as sexual harassment," reported the LA Times. "School officials refused to discuss the particulars of the teachers' firings but said the issue highlights the difficulty of providing positive images for students who are often bombarded by negative cultural stereotypes," while also noting the story was too graphic for an assembly that included kindergartners.
This raises several interesting issues. To what extent are/should publicly funded charter schools be independent? While teacher unions and teacher tenure are the standard at most all public schools, that is not the case at public charter schools. Do you think teacher tenure is an appropriate way to reward good teachers or adversely impacting the education system by ensuring continued employment without considering continued job performance? Air you views in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Student Loan Lenders Pay Universities for Preference March 16, 2007 12:19 PM
College students take out billions in student loans every year. New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo annouce yesterday that "Dozens of colleges and universities across the country have accepted a variety of financial incentives from student loan companies to steer student business their way," reports the New York Times. Lenders utilize a variety of incentives, including "cash payments based on loan volume, donations of computers, expense-paid trips to resorts for financial aid officers and even running call centers on behalf of colleges to field students' questions about financial aid," as well as the school paying a penalty if students consolidated with a different lender.
Do you think these are inappropriate practices by the lenders? By the Colleges and Universities? Do financial aid offices of colleges owe a duty to their students to provide all loan options and advise them based on what is best for the student? Share your thoughts in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Bi-partisan Focus on College Loan Subsidies March 8, 2007 7:22 AM
The federal government provides subsidies to lending institutions involved in student loans for higher education costs. "Lawmakers from both parties are pressuring the Education Department to explain why it let a student loan company keep $278 million in subsidies that an audit found improper. The pressure indicates that both parties are focused on the increasing costs of higher education. The loan company, Nelnet, received the payments through a subsidy program that guaranteed a 9.5 percent interest rate on student loans. In an accord reached in January, the department allowed Nelnet to keep the $278 million it had received but suspended future payments of more than $800 million until a future audit could determine whether the company was eligible for the money," reports the New York Times. College affordability increasingly appears to be a non-partisan one. "Representative Thomas E. Petri, a Wisconsin Republican [...] noted that the overpayments could help finance efforts to make college more affordable, perhaps by increasing grants for poor students. 'That's not liberal or conservative,' he said. 'That's just a basic responsibility that we have.' Advocates for students hope the letters may be the first step in a broader review of the loan industry, and hailed the pressure on the department. 'The fact that you have requests from Democrats, but then also people like Jeff Flake, who is one of the most fiscally conservative members of the Republican Party - that breadth is significant,' said Luke Swarthout, higher-education associate with U.S. Public Interest Research Group in Washington." Share your thoughts on College Affordability in our Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
U.S. Growing Less Literate February 9, 2007 8:10 AM
A report from ETS indicates that as a nation, the United States is becoming less literate. "The three factors identified are: a shifting labor market increasingly rewarding education and skills, a changing demographic that include a rapid-growing Hispanic population, and a yawning achievement gap, particularly along racial and socioeconomic lines, when it comes to reading and math," reports the Christian Science Monitor. Some are proposing "increasing attention and resources to early childhood education, to the social factors that affect young children, to continuing adult education, and to programs that keep kids from dropping out of school and address the achievement gap." What do you think can be done to reverse this trend? Share your thoughts in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Paying for College January 27, 2007 9:05 AM
With college costs increasing well over the inflation rate, and complicated financial aid forms to complete, there are many pitfalls to those pursuing higher education. "Mistakes range from giving money directly to a minor to selling investments in the year that an aid application is made. College counselors, financial advisers and aid specialists say that beyond mending these missteps, there are many legitimate ways to increase the amount of aid," reports the New York Times. One such option is "college savings plans known as 529s, which are tax-free accounts used to pay for higher education." You can learn more about 529s on the College Savings Plan Network, which contains information about 529 plans in each state. Share your thoughts on Higher Education in the U.S. in our Education forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Make College Affordable Day January 12, 2007 3:56 PM
Yesterday was "Make College Affordable" Day with gatherings of students, recent grads and parents across the country and a press conference on Capitol Hill. The event was sponsored by many organizations, including Mobilize.org and the Youth Policy Action Center. Learn more about what they are doing in the links above. Share your thoughts on college costs in our Higher Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
No Child Left Behind - Anniversary January 9, 2007 4:50 PM
Yesterday marked the fifth year since passage of the No Child Left Behind law, which is up for renewal this year. "Democratic Congressional leaders on Monday called President Bush's signature education law too punitive in its sanctions on public schools and pledged to increase educational spending, signaling the stance they will take this year in negotiations over the law's renewal," reported the New York Times. "While the tenets of the law enjoy strong bipartisan support, No Child Left Behind has also become a partisan battleground, with Democrats accusing Republicans of underfinancing it by $56 billion. Groups across the political spectrum are looking for changes and refinements, including removal of sanctions and imposition of a single national standard for academic performance." What are your thoughts in the law? Be Heard in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
"Indentured Graduates" December 7, 2006 1:30 PM
As all too many young Americans already know, the rapidly increasing cost of higher education leaves many of us carrying significant debt upon graduation. "The economic health of America's information-driven society depends on how well it educates its young people. So it can't afford to shrug off the mounting student-debt problem with a mere 'whatever.'" noted an article in yesterday's Christian Science Monitor. "The financial situation facing college graduates today is not what it was in their parents' time. Now, about two-thirds of college students are borrowing; three decades ago, just a third were. And in recent years, the amount of student borrowing has soared. Graduating seniors faced an average of $9,250 in loans a decade ago. Now it's more than twice that, $19,200 (a 58 percent increase after inflation)." With such an important issue, being so critical to young people, the Association of Young Americans is launching the Higher Education series. The first paper addresses the recent report from the Commission on Higher Education, released by the Department of Education. An Education Forum has also been added to our discussion page where you can share your thoughts and concerns on the state of Education in the U.S.
-- Association of Young Americans
Increasing Popularity (and competitiveness) of State Universities November 10, 2006 11:03 AM
Public Universities have seen a significant increase in applicants and enrollment in recent years. "The number of high-school graduates nationwide hit an estimated three million in 2004-05, up from 2.5 million 10 years earlier, according to the Education Department. Enrollment in degree-granting institutions rose 21% between 1994 and 2004, to 17.3 million. By 2014, the number is expected to hit 19.5 million," reports the Wall Street Journal. In addition to more applicants, higher tuition at private schools is directing a good number of high school students to seriously consider public universities, which have significantly lower tuition. "In-state tuition at public schools averaged an annual $5,836 this year, while out-of-state tuition averaged $15,783, according to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The average cost of tuition at private college this year was $30,367, according to the College Board." Share your thoughts on and experiences with higher education in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Value of College Degree October 27, 2006 1:22 PM
A government study released this week found that an individual with a college degree on average makes $23,000 more than someone with a high school diploma. "College graduates made an average of $51,554 in 2004, the most recent figures available, compared with $28,645 for adults with a high school diploma. High school dropouts earned an average of $19,169 and those with advanced college degrees made an average of $78,093," reported Yahoo News. How do you think such information should impact government policy on higher education? Share your thoughts in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
Stats on College Students September 19, 2006 2:46 PM
An article in today's Christian Science Monitor had some interesting stats on U.S. colleges and universities:
17.6 million students attend US colleges and universities.
50% of full-time students work part time.
$51,206 is the average annual earnings with a bachelor's degree
$27,915 is the average annual earnings with a high school diploma
63% of college freshman agreed dissent is critical to the poltical process
-- Association of Young Americans
Ivys vs. Public Universities September 18, 2006 11:10 AM
An article in today's Wall Street Journal notes that based on the colleges attended by top executives in the US, having a degree from a highly selective college is not most important. "Getting to the corner office has more to do with leadership talent and a drive for success than it does with having an undergraduate degree from a prestigious university." Did the reputation of your college influence your decision to attend there? For those who have graduated, have you found that where you went to school has made a difference in your career? Share your own personal experiences in the Education Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans
National School Vouchers Proposed July 21, 2006 2:44 PM
Republicans in Congress proposed a new national program for low income students to attend private and religious schools. "The legislation, modeled on a pilot program [in D.C.], would pay for tuition and private tutoring for some 28,000 students seeking a way out of public schools that fail to raise test scores sufficiently for at least five years," reports the New York Times. A department of education report recently release "showed that students attending public schools generally did as well or better than comparable students in private schools." Share your views on school vouchers in the Open Forum.
-- Association of Young Americans