Your Chance to Speak with Congress!
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet with your congressional representatives at the 2017 NASSP Advocacy Conference, April 24-26. This conference brings together state leaders to advocate on behalf of the nation’s school principals and offers unique insight into the world of policy and politics. The program consists of panel discussions with representatives from other national education associations, congressional staff, and officials from ED; a briefing on the latest news in Congress and NASSP’s legislative agenda; and a day on Capitol Hill attending meetings with principals’ respective members of Congress and their staff.
Take advantage of this opportunity to let your congressional representatives know how important effective school leaders are to improving student success. There is no registration fee to attend the conference, but travel and lodging expenses may be required. Please contact Zachary Scott with any questions.
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
Earlier this week, Secretary DeVos sent a letter to each chief state school officer regarding the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In the letter, DeVos notes that the ED has delayed the implementation of the ESSA Accountability Regulations that were passed last year. She also points out that Congress is currently considering a resolution of disapproval for these regulations, and if passed that these regulations would then “have no force or effect.”
The letter goes on to state that ED may be revising the template it will use when considering state plans. Although the template could be changed, DeVos explains that states “may consider using the existing template as a guide, as any revised template will not result in descriptions, information, assurances, or other materials that States will be required to provide other than those already required under the ESEA.”
Why Should Principals Care?
Despite requests from some states for more time in developing their plans, ED still anticipates accepting the consolidated state plans for ESSA on originally stated dates, April 3 and September 18. However, with the possibility of a new plan template for consideration and the likely elimination of ESSA Accountability Regulations, many states may be left wondering how to proceed with their planning, given such limited guidance and growing uncertainty from ED. During the final months leading up to the federal deadlines, it is still extremely important that school leaders work with their state education agency in developing their plan. These uncertainties may offer new opportunities for principals to advocate on behalf of their students and profession.
In the Press
Finding New Policies and Opportunities to Improve Principal Development, American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Principals are often overlooked by districts and states when it comes to their professional development opportunities in comparison to teachers. However, a new paper from AIR notes the important role principals play in their schools and for student development. It also shares that professional development for principals can be vital to improving schools and student success. The paper also points out that the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders and ESSA can both provide new opportunities for future principal professional development.
The Arts in ESSA, Education Commission of the States
A new report examines the number of different ways that states can develop and promote the arts in ESSA. The report examines how the arts can be promoted in a number of different facets in ESSA, including Title I, Part A; accountability measures; required assessments; state plans; and Title II and IV state grants.
A State by State Breakdown of Leadership Development Policies, National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
NASBE is out with a new study examining each states’ leadership development policies. The report inspects leadership standards through three different factors: organizational supports, which are developed by creating systems and structures that facilitate leadership development; individual supports, which are created by promoting methods and mechanisms that build leader capacities; and data. Compare your state to others to find new ways for your state to encourage rising leaders!