Be Sure to Register for the National Principals Conference!
Do you want to be a part of the largest gathering of elementary and secondary school principals in the nation? Then join us for the first-ever joint National Principals Conference, hosted by NASSP and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, July 9–11 in Philadelphia.
The conference will offer principals a variety of ways in which they can further their professional development and find solutions for problems facing their schools. This includes networking with principals across the nation, sitting in on sessions that highlight problems facing today’s students and educators, and attending exhibitions that examine new ways principals can serve their schools and students. Don’t miss this opportunity, register now!
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
Last week, the House and Senate passed an omnibus bill that set federal funding numbers through September 2017. The passage of the budget comes after weeks of concern over a potential shutdown. Despite the passage, President Trump is still not thrilled with the budget, even tweeting that the country could benefit from a shutdown later this year. This all sets up what could be a more intense budget fight in October.
Also last week, the House passed a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare. The bill barely passed the House by a vote of 217-213.
Why Should Principals Care?
The $1.1 trillion budget would cut funding at ED for K–12 issues by $60 million from FY 2016, bringing that number to $71.6 billion. This includes cuts for some of the programs that highly influence principals, most notably Title II. Unfortunately, Title II grants for educator development would be cut by $294 million, bringing these programs down to $2.1 billion for the rest of FY 2017. Another key program to highlight is the Student Support for Academic Enrichment Grant program, or Title IV, Part A of ESSA. This new program would actually receive $400 million in the agreement, but would now be a competitive grant program rather than a block grant program as originally authorized. For a more detailed breakdown on the budget and how it affects principals, you can view the breakdown provided here.
The bill to replace Obamacare now heads to the Senate. It is still unknown how likely the Senate is to pass the bill, as the Senate may make drastic changes before sending the bill back to the House. The new bill will unfortunately have drastic effects on Medicaid reimbursements in schools, which could have severe effects on the students and schools meant to receive those dollars.
In the Press
Bill Introduced Promote CTE in High Schools, Augusta Free Press
Last week, Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the CTE Excellence and Equity Act. This bill, which is strongly supported by NASSP, would provide funding for partnerships among school districts, employers, and institutions of high-quality CTE programs into high schools.
Bill Introduced to Help Reauthorize Perkins Act, House Education and Workforce Committee
The importance of career and technical education (CTE) learning continues to grow, but unfortunately, the federal government has not reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which has focused on CTE training for students since 2006. To change this, Representatives Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Thompson (R-PA) recently introduced the Strengthening Career and Technical Education For the 21st Century Act. This bill would help promote CTE learning for students by updating and reauthorizing the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
School Transportation Systems in Need of an Upgrade, Bellwether Education Partners
Due to stagnant and reduced funding over the years, many schools have been forced to prioritize where available funds can be spent. A new report has found that school transportation systems have been severely neglected when it comes to upgrading equipment. The report also offers recommendations to help improve current school transportation systems.
National Surveys on Literacy and Equity, Scholastic
Curious to see if your fellow educators take your stance on literacy and equity in education, or if they share similar habits as you? Scholastic offers a number of teacher and principal surveys in which they asked educators a number of questions concerning the most important factors for promoting literacy and equity in schools.