Learn How the Education Landscape Has Changed at the National Principals Conference!

The election of President Trump and his appointment of Secretary DeVos have drastically altered the education sector’s path set forth by the Obama administration. To help you better understand the new policies and platforms of this new administration, as part of the 2017 National Principals Conference, NASSP and NAESP will host a panel with thought leaders and policymakers to discuss emerging issues in education reform at the national level. Issues discussed during this panel will include the school choice movement, questions about the appropriate federal role in education, a looming educator shortage crisis, and state implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to hear directly from experts on the policies that will have major implications on your school and students. Register for the conference now!

 

Inside the Beltway

What’s Happening in Washington?

There are several events this week for President Trump and Secretary DeVos that will drastically shape the education arena moving forward. First, DeVos is expected to release plans for a national school choice policy later today. Second, Trump’s first official budget for FY 2018 is expected to drop Tuesday. However, an early copy seems to indicate that the budget will have severe cuts for a number of education programs. Lastly, on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., DeVos will testify on the administration’s budget proposal before the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies subcommittee.

Why Should Principals Care?

This week seems to be a key turning point for Trump and DeVos’ education agenda. Trump has promised a nationwide school choice policy since the campaign and it appears he is attempting to follow up on that promise. A policy like this could prove detrimental to public institutions, as it could drain vital funds that public schools require to operate effectively. Trump’s budget goes a step further in cutting funds for education, leaving more students and educators with less of an ability to grow and succeed. One specifically important program to note is Title II, which is used to recruit, train, and retain educators. This program saw a $294 million cut in the FY 2017 omnibus and now could be completely eliminated if Congress does not act. How DeVos defends these heavy-handed cuts will provide a deeper understanding of what the education goals of this administration are.

 

In the Press

New Selection Criteria Released for the 2017 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program, Federal Register

The Department of Education (ED) has announced it is now accepting applications for the 2017 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) Program. The purpose of the SRLC is to create a comprehensive literacy program to advance literacy skills for students in grades 5–12, including limited-English proficient students and students with disabilities.

House CTE Bill Moves Out of Committee, House Committee on Education and the Workforce

On May 17, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce unanimously approved the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act¸ moving the bill past the committee process. This bill will reauthorize and update the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. You can find more information about the bill here.

Building Apprenticeships with ESSA, New America

Apprenticeship programs have been overlooked for some time in the United States, but that seems like it is beginning to change. President Obama had vowed to double the number of apprentices in five years, and President Trump has supported a similar goal. A new piece examines how ESSA can be used to grow apprenticeships programs in the U.S. and help more Americans participate in these programs.

Collaboration Between Rural School Districts Promotes Innovation, Education Dive

Rural school districts may often find it difficult to innovate and develop new systems for their schools due to a lack of funding and limited number of students. However, a new article examines that some rural districts have found that collaborating with others and sharing ideas has produced positive outcomes for all those involved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *