Capital Update tracks the movement of legislation, the introduction of notable bills, and routine regulatory announcements.
The Education Department
Chapter 1 Assessment
Final Regulations
The Education Department published in the Aug. 10 Federal Register final regulations that will allow states and school districts to apply for exceptions to testing rules for Chapter 1 and migrant-education programs if an alternative is needed to support state and local reform efforts. Commenters expressed concern over the validity of new testing systems, but department officials said they will not approve plans that would not adequately measure Chapter 1 performance.
Vocational Education
Final Regulations
The Education Department published in the July 28 Federal Register final regulations implementing changes to tech-prep programs required by 1993 amendments to the Higher Education Act and the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act. The rules allow programs to begin in either the 9th or 11th grade, and give preference to projects that involve consortia of business, labor, and higher-education institutions.
Student-Aid Eligibility
Proposed Regulations
The Education Department published in the Aug. 16 Federal Register proposed regulations strengthening “ability to benefit” requirements that high school dropouts must meet to be eligible for student loans. The rule implements changes mandated in 1992 amendments to the Higher Education Act. Comments on the proposal are due by Oct. 17.
Direct Student Loans
Proposed Regulations
The Education Department published in the Aug. 18 Federal Register proposed regulations governing colleges’ and borrowers’ participation in the direct-lending student-loan program. They are to take effect in the 1995-96 school year. Comments on the proposed rules are due by Oct. 3.
In Other Federal Agencies
Delinquency Prevention
Final Regulations
In the Aug. 1 Federal Register, the Justice Department’s office of juvenile justice and delinquency prevention published final guidelines for the Title V Delinquency Prevention Program, which finances community delinquency-prevention projects.
