Beauty School Association criticizes proposed regulations
The Biden administration has proposed new regulations that would ban asynchronous learning for “career-based programs.”
The regulations would prohibit Title IV student aid funds from being used for “clock-hour” programs that use this type of learning, a move university officials said was based on quality concerns about asynchronous learning.
“The regulation proposes safeguards to ensure that students participating in career-focused online programs have direct interaction with instructors by prohibiting the use of asynchronous instruction,” a Department of Education news release said. The comment period on the proposed regulation recently ended.
“Asynchronous instruction in part-time programs also does not foster face-to-face interaction between students and instructors, which could make it difficult for students to receive the training they need for the types of occupations that part-time programs train students for,” the notice of proposed rulemaking states.
The White House and Department of Education communications teams College Fix Further comments on the complaints over the past few weeks about asynchronous learning.
Clock hour programs are different from standard credit-based college classes. Clock hours refer to actual time spent in the classroom. This type of program is often used in professions such as barbers, phlebotomists, and paramedics.
“We oppose this regulation because it unfairly impacts students enrolled in programs that are measured by the hour,” the American Association of Cosmetology Schools said. Solution By email.
“Cosmetology students represent one of the most diverse learner demographics in higher education, often including working parents and those who rely on flexible, asynchronous learning to access higher education,” said AACS Executive Director Cecil Kidd.
“We argue that the department's proposed changes unfairly single out part-time programs and are not supported by substantial evidence,” Kidd said. “We are also concerned that the administration is limiting online opportunities at a time when interest in online options is growing across all sectors of higher education, and the needs of adult learners in particular are growing.”
Trade, women and minorities suffer
Kidd said the changes could have a disproportionate impact on women and minorities who are the first in their families to attend post-secondary education. “The changes proposed by the ministry will have an immediate adverse effect on employment in organizations that measure transactions on hours worked.”
“AACS schools serve more students from diverse backgrounds and more first-generation students than any other sector in higher education,” Kidd told The Fix.
He said “flexible online distance learning” would help “underserved students.”
He also predicted an increase in the “cost of attendance” as students would have to commute and “come to campus more frequently.”
Kidd said student attendance and graduation rates will decline.
Other trades will also be hurt, he said.
“In addition to salons and spas, employers hiring in occupations such as nursing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical may also experience significant difficulties in hiring and recruiting,” Kidd said.
“This is because fewer people are looking to get into the profession. [pursue] “It creates more barriers to going to school and not getting the training they need to get certified or licensed,” he said.
Kidd gave the example of a working mother who “has to juggle work, school and family.” Commuting to campus eight hours a day can be difficult, Kidd said.
“But with asynchronous learning, students would only have to attend school for four hours in the afternoon, allowing them to work while caring for their children in the morning or evening,” Kidd said.
The National Consumer Law Center and the R Street Institute declined to comment on the matter. The Brotherhood of Police did not comment on how the ban would affect employment in the industry. Other groups did not respond to requests for comment.
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Image: Office of Governor Tim Walz/Flickr
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