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"Virtual" universities will have greater opportunity to compete in the higher-education marketplace under a bill introduced this month by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). The bill repeals a rule prohibiting students from using federal financial aid at institutions that enroll more than 50 percent of their students through distance education. "Literally millions of students, especially working adults, will have higher education opened to them," testified David Moore of Corinthian Colleges, a for-profit higher-education company.

The IRS and U.S. Education Department have issued reminders to teachers who spend their own money on classroom supplies: Save receipts and qualify for a deduction of up to $250 on 2003 tax returns. Meanwhile, President Bush has proposed expanding the deduction to $400.

Hispanics are more likely to support federal policies to advance parental choice in education, according to a national survey released this month by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center. Asked whether the federal government should provide tax credits or vouchers to help parents pay for private schools, 58 percent of Hispanics responded favorably, compared to 43 percent of all respondents.