The U.S. Department of Education extended its timetable for reviewing and recognizing new accrediting organizations, announcing a longer stakeholder review period meant to accommodate evolving debates over accreditation’s role. The ED said the revised schedule will allow more time for public comment and internal analysis as policymakers press accreditors to support innovation, accountability and workforce alignment. The change comes amid bipartisan scrutiny of accreditation standards and proposals to tie quality measures to federal funding.