Preparing for postsecondary education -- academically and financially -- will be spotlighted on the November edition of the Department of Education's monthly TV show airing Tuesday on cable outlets and available live on the Web.

The program will feature interviews with department officials and guests discussing the types of courses in middle and high school that will help prepare students for higher education and options on paying for college. The discussion will also explore the variety of financial assistance -- including grants, loans, work-study, tax-deferred savings plans, and more -- that are available to help students pay for college.

A number of cable services across the nation will carry the program -- many live -- from 8-9 p.m., EDT. In Washington, the show will appear live on Channel 28, the D.C. Public Schools cable channel.

A complete listing of viewer options is posted at http://registerevent.ed.gov/. In addition, the program will be webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

"The earlier that students and their families become informed about the pathway to higher education, the better their chances for success," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. "Education beyond high school -- whether vocational, technical, or professional -- is essential to effectively compete for jobs in the Digital Age."

Among the topics to be covered:

• What types of courses should students take at the middle and high school level to ensure they are prepared for postsecondary education?

• When should parents and students start thinking about saving for college, and what programs are available to help?

• How is it financially possible for students to attend the college of their choice?

• How is the Department of Education helping historically underrepresented minority groups prepare for and succeed in college?

• Where can families go for reliable, free information on academic and financial preparedness for education beyond high school?

• How will the No Child Left Behind Act improve our nation's high schools and help all students to be better prepared for postsecondary education?

• Why is some form of education beyond high school important for all students? What kinds of postsecondary options are available?

Discussing the academic side of postsecondary preparation will be: Susan Sclafani, acting assistant secretary for vocational and adult education at the Education Department. Also, Ayeola Boothe Kinlaw of The College Board; April Bell, of The CollegeBound Foundation in Baltimore; Adrienne Lallo with the Center for State Scholars in Austin, Texas; and Charlene Nunley, president of Montgomery College in Montgomery County, Md.

Preparing financially for postsecondary will be covered by: Terri Shaw, chief operating officer for the department's Federal Student Aid program; Ron Smith with Baltimore City Community College; Alexandra Quinn with the College Summit in Washington; Jacqueline Williams of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority; and Jose Llamas with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Details about the "Education News Parents Can Use" TV series can be found at http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html.

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