The U.S. Department of Education unveiled plans to 'harmonize' accountability metrics across institutions while its secretary signaled a political pivot away from higher education toward K‑12 priorities. Department officials say the harmonization aims to create a level playing field for oversight and compliance; advocates warn standardized metrics could leave vulnerable students exposed if poorly designed. Separately, Education Secretary Linda McMahon told a conservative outlet she intends to focus more on elementary and secondary policy this year, remarks that come amid the administration’s broader efforts to reshape federal higher‑education policy and funding relationships.