Aurora Institute's Federal Policy Priorities: Charting a New Path for America's Learners

COVID-19 has exposed vast and systemic inequities, and calls for a redesigned education system are growing in number and volume. Top-of-mind issues, such as what reopening should look like, administering in-person versus remote instruction, and keeping students and staff safe, are incredibly important. But now, however, is also the time to confront long-term systemic questions about the purpose of school and how to construct it so that each child has an equal chance for a thriving future. Federal policy leaders who want to drive transformation, innovation, and equity can look to these recommendations to learn about entry points, policy levers, and a vetted path forward to revolutionize student-centered learning. This paper outlines core federal education policy issues to advance student-centered learning policies and transform education systems to meet the vast needs of future students. The eight key issues include: (1) Create Learning Ecosystems across K-12 Education, Higher Education, CTE, and the Workforce; (2) Modernize the Educator Workforce; (3) Diversify the Educator Workforce; (4) Bridge the Digital Divide; (5) Support COVID-19 Learning Recovery; (6) Advance Educational Equity; (7) Redesign Assessments; and (8) Rethink Accountability.