2026-22615·DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Proposed Priorities and Definitions-Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and Definitions

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 5, 2026
Comments close: Dec 7, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 69736
Docket: Docket ID ED-2026-OS-3169

Proposed priorities and definitions.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Education is proposing to update a series of “priority and definition” notices that guide how federal education funds are awarded. The changes would broaden the Department’s focus to cover the full range of learners, bring in expertise from partner federal agencies, and apply lessons learned from the 2026 grant competitions. By revising the language on evidence‑based literacy, education choice, meaningful learning opportunities, career pathways, workforce readiness, and the use of artificial intelligence, the Department aims to ensure that future grant programs are better aligned with current educational needs and emerging technologies. The proposal is issued by the Department of Education and primarily affects schools, colleges, state and local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other entities that apply for or receive federal education funding. These groups will need to follow the revised priorities and definitions when designing grant proposals and programs once the changes are finalized. The notice was published on November 5, 2026, and the Department will accept public comments until December 7, 2026. After the comment period, the Department will review feedback and, if it decides to adopt the revisions, will publish a final rule with an effective date. Stakeholders should monitor the Department’s website for the final rule and any guidance on how the updated priorities will be applied to upcoming grant cycles.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Secretary proposes to amend the Notice of Final Priorities and Definitions--Secretary's Supplemental Priorities and Definitions on Evidence-Based Literacy, Education Choice, and Returning Education to the States published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2025, the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions--Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Meaningful Learning Opportunities published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2026, the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions--Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2026, and the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions--Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2026. The proposed amendments are needed to ensure that the U.S. Department of Education (ED, or the Department) has priorities that represent the full spectrum of learners, reflect the expertise of the Federal agencies that are active partners in our mission, and incorporate lessons learned from implementation in FY 2026 grant competitions.