OpenEd20

More than a decade of coordinated OER advocacy has paid off with significant victories. Congress allocated, and then renewed twice, the first-ever federal funding for higher education OER grant programs, and numerous significant state-level policy initiatives have led to increased adoption, awareness, and creation of open educational resources. Meanwhile, the millions of dollars allocated to educational institutions as part of the COVID-19 response bill, the CARES Act, opened up a new source of potential funding for OER initiatives during a period of unprecedented fiscal crisis for America's education institutions.

This session will provide attendees with an overview of the past year in U.S. OER policy from advocates engaged in the day-to-day work. We’ll review exciting developments from the past year and provide a look into what goes into big policy wins, along with analysis of what the long-term impact of these policies will be. We’ll also share insight into what’s next for OER policy, including any efforts brewing in Congress and federal agencies post-election, which states and policy trends to watch, and how OER advocates can best take action in their communities.

Federal and state policy are important for supporting the OER movement, providing districts and institutions with frameworks and resources, and sustaining the momentum that brought the movement to where it is today. Without the passion and dedication of OER advocacy efforts, these policy wins wouldn’t be possible.

Learning Outcomes:
After the session, attendees will be able to:
- Explain key developments in U.S. state and federal policy related to OER over the last year
- Identify ways COVID-19 will impact the next policy cycle
- Apply tips for contacting their policymakers to advocate for OER