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Issues Raised by Hurricane Katrina: A Focus on Education and Training
Title: Issues Raised by Hurricane Katrina: A Focus on Education and Training
Date: September 16, 2005
Author:
Institution: Congressional Research Service
Bibliographic Entry:
Electronic Link: http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/53690.pdf
Key Words: elementary/secondary schools, institutions of higher education, postsecondary students, Katrina, Department of Education, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Education for Homeless Children and Youth, Project SERV
Summary of Key Issues, Points, Conclusions:
An estimated more than 400,000 elementary/secondary school children have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. This includes approximately 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) and nearly 100,000 postsecondary students. It is likely that numerous program regulations and statutes will need to be revisited to address the needs of the students and families affected by Katrina, as well as financial issues of the institutions that help make education possible for many of these individuals. This report provides a general overview of the federally funded programs administered by the Department of Education (ED) that might be used to help those affected by this disaster, and the existing statutory and regulatory authorities available to assist individuals who have been affected by a major disaster, where applicable. Several existing program requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) will likely need to be addressed — maintenance of effort, adequate yearly progress, and highly qualified teachers requirements — to assist many of the schools. In addition, programs such as the Education for Homeless Children and Youth and Project SERV could be used to assist these students and schools, if additional funding were provided. The Secretary of Education has authority to waive several of the requirements for aid recipients, institutions of higher education, and financial institutions when a disaster has been declared. This report will be updated as warranted by major legislation or other relevant developments.
Name of Researcher: Brian Carter
Institution: ICHS, TAMU
Date: September 26, 2005