Education Department Issues Proposed Distance Learning Rules, Emphasizes Flexibility

The U.S. Department of Education issued proposed rules for distance learning Wednesday, following a months-long rulemaking process last year. The proposal seeks to give schools more flexibility for providing online programs, such as by reducing some barriers to offering competency-based education and providing latitude for measuring the credit hour. However, some observers say the 30-day comment period on the rules doesn’t give stakeholders enough time to adequately review and respond to them in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Final regulations are expected by Nov. 1. The proposed rules are part of a bigger regulatory overhaul that aims to give schools more flexibility in how they approach instruction while retaining eligibility for federal student aid. However, critics warn the move eliminates important oversight. Read More