Influence NASSP Policies by Commenting on Position Statements
Last week, the NASSP Board of Directors approved a new position statement on the nationwide teacher shortage. The board also chose teacher leadership, privatization, and teacher quality as topics for future position statements. As these statements are drafted and go through the approval process, NASSP will be seeking your opinions. Keep an eye on future Advocacy Updates for information about submitting your comments and having your opinion reflected by the national organization that represents you!
Wrapping Up the 2017 National Principals Conference (NPC)
More than 3,500 elementary, middle level, and high school principals from across the nation participated earlier this month in the National Principals Conference in Philadelphia. There, they had the opportunity to learn from education thought leaders, network with their peers, and attend a variety of other sessions to improve their craft. You can see highlights from the conference’s attendees on Twitter at #NPC17.
Regret missing out on this year’s conference? Plan ahead for next year’s! The 2018 National Principals Conference will take place July 11–13 in Chicago, IL. Check principalsconference.org for updates!
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
On July 12, the House Appropriations Committee released the draft FY 2018 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) funding bill. This bill passed through the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education 9–6 on a party line vote. The full committee markup of the bill has not yet been scheduled, but will most likely be sometime this week.
Why Should Principals Care?
Overall, the draft bill includes $156 billion in discretionary funding, which is a reduction of $5 billion below the FY 2017 enacted level. The draft bill includes cuts to several important programs, most notably Title II of ESSA. Title II provides funding for recruiting, retaining, and training teachers, principals, and other school leaders. The draft bill calls for the elimination of this vital $2.1 billion program. NASSP recently released a statement opposing these drastic cuts, but your voice is needed to turn the tide in this fight. Use NASSP’s action alert system to let your representatives know that you oppose these appropriations and support funding professional development opportunities for our nation’s educators!
In the Press
Montana Releases Draft ESSA Plan, Miami Herald
On July 12, the state of Montana released its draft ESSA plan. The draft includes plans to increase the number of students who are proficient in math and English, while also promoting college and career readiness for graduates. It is currently open for public comment through August.