Cosmetology school association criticizes proposed regulation
The Biden Administration has proposed a new regulation to ban asynchronous learning for “career-based programs.”
The regulation would prohibit Title IV student aid funds from being used in “clock hour” programs that use this type of learning. The administration said this is based on quality concerns about asynchronous learning.
“The regulations…propose protections to make sure online students in career-focused programs get direct instructor interaction by prohibiting the use of asynchronous instruction,” a Department of Education news release stated. The comment period recently closed for the proposed regulation.
“Asynchronous instruction in clock-hour programs also does not foster direct interaction between students and instructors, which can make it difficult for students to receive the training necessary for the types of occupations for which clock-hour programs train students,” the “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” stated.
The White House and the Department of Education communication teams did not respond to emails and phone requests from The College Fix for further comment on the complaints about asynchronous learning in the past several weeks.
Clock hour programs differ from standard university classes that are based on credits. Clock hours refer to the actual time spent in the classroom. This type of program is common for trades such as barbers, phlebotomists, and paramedics.
“We oppose this regulation because it will unfairly impact students enrolled in programs measured in clock-hours,” the American Association of Cosmetology Schools told The Fix via email.
“Cosmetology students represent one of the most diverse learner populations in higher education, and often include working parents and others who depend on flexible asynchronous learning to pursue their postsecondary education,” AACS Executive Director Cecil Kidd said.
“We submit that the Department’s proposed change unfairly singles out clock hour programs, is unsupported by any substantial evidence,” Kidd said. “It’s also concerning that the Administration is limiting on-line opportunities at a time when all sectors of higher education are seeing an increase in interest and a growing need for online options especially for the adult learner.”
Trades, women, and minorities would be harmed
Kidd said the changes could heavily affect women and minorities who might be the first in their family to pursue secondary education. “The Department’s proposed change would have an immediate negative impact on hiring for organizations that employee trades measured in clock hours.”
“AACS schools have more students of diverse backgrounds, and teach more first-generation students, than any other segment of the higher education sphere,” Kidd told The Fix.
He said that “flexible online distance learning” helps “underserved students.”
He also predicted an increase in “the cost of attendance,” as students will need to commute and “attend campus more frequently.”
Kidd said there would be lower rates of student attendance and graduation.
Other trades would also be harmed, he said.
“In addition to the salons and spas, employers that hire trades such as nursing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical could also experience a greater difficulty at hiring and recruiting,” Kidd said.
“This would be caused by fewer aspiring tradesmen and tradeswomen being able to [pursue] the training necessary to earn a certificate or license due to greater obstacles in being able to attend school,” he said.
He gave the example of a “working mom” who has to “juggle work, school, and family.” Making it to campus for eight hours a day would be difficult, Kidd said.
“However, asynchronous learning may allow her to only attend school for 4 hours in the afternoon, so that she can still take care of her kids and work a job in the morning or evening,” Kidd said.
The National Consumer Law Center and the R Street Institute declined to comment for this story. The Fraternal Order of Police also did not provide comments on how the regulations might affect hiring in their field. Other also did not respond to requests for comment.
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IMAGE: Office of Governor Tim Walz/Flickr
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