How Have You Used the ESSA Toolkit?
Have you used NASSP’s ESSA Toolkit to influence your state’s plan? If the answer is yes, please let us know! NASSP is looking for stories from individuals who have used the toolkit to help them navigate the ESSA implementation process. Maybe the communication kit helped you get your message out on social media. Or perhaps you introduced some of the model legislation to your state education agency. Let us know how the toolkit helped you by drafting a blog post or providing a short statement highlighting your experiences and why others should use it. Your contributions will be used to illustrate the impact of this resource throughout our network, website, and beyond.
Learn How Advocacy Can Help You
Have you ever wondered how federal policy decisions were made? Would you like to take part in that process? Learn how to do just that at the 2017 NASSP Advocacy Conference, taking place April 24–26. The conference 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.
Don’t miss out on 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?
Last week, the Trump administration removed a transgender rights guidance that was instilled by President Obama under Title IX. The original guidance sought to protect the right of transgender students to use the restroom or locker room that aligns with their gender identity. In rescinding this directive, President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos stated that these decisions should be made by each state.
Why Should Principals Care?
Rules concerning transgender students and their rights in schools will now be decided by state governments. The rescindment of this directive is extremely concerning, and it renders an already marginalized group of students with even less protection than before. NASSP firmly believes in the importance of protecting and supporting all transgender students, and strongly disagrees with the rescinding of this necessary piece of federal protection. You can read the NASSP statement on this action here.
In the Press
Trump Considering Using a New Tax Credit to Provide Funds to Private Schools, Politico
Reports have begun to surface that President Trump is considering a new federal tax credit scholarship program that would channel billions of dollars to enable children to attend a school of their parents’ choice. Not much is known about the policy yet, but it could be capped as high as $20 billion, the amount Trump promised during his campaign. A program like this may be included as part of a larger tax reform bill, which could pass through the reconciliation process. Reconciliation bills require only a simple majority in both chambers to be approved, improving the likelihood of such a program becoming enacted.
Tune in to Find New Ways to Prevent Bullying, American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA)
Bullying continues to be a problem for many students around the nation, with many schools still trying to find new ways to help prevent it. AFSA will be hosting a webinar on March 21 at 2:00 p.m. (ET) that will illustrate some new practices to combat bullying, while also highlighting how administrators can help create a climate to reduce bullying.
The FY 2017 Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program Has Launched, U.S. Department of Education
Last week, ED announced the launch of the FY 2017 Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program. For the first project year, ED plans on making 15 to 20 awards totaling approximately $105 million. These funds will provide grantees with the opportunity to promote effective teaching through the development of human capital management systems and the use of performance-based compensation.