Register Today for the 2018 Advocacy Conference
The 2018 NASSP Advocacy Conference will bring together principals from across the nation to advocate on behalf of their students, schools, and profession. By joining us on March 19–21, you will have the opportunity to hear from some of the nation’s foremost education thought leaders. You will also receive federal advocacy training and the chance to use that training on visits with your elected representatives in Congress on Capitol Hill.
Registration for the conference is free, but attendees will be responsible for their hotel and travel costs. For more information, please visit the NASSP Advocacy Conference page.
Have Strong Feelings on Teacher Leadership? Let NASSP Know!
Earlier this month, the NASSP Board of Directors stated its intent to adopt a new position statement on Teacher Leadership. This new position statement expresses support for teacher leaders and offers recommendations to federal, state, and local policymakers and school leaders on how to create sustainable and supportive systems for teacher leaders to collaborate with principals for the success of their students.
The position statement is now available for public comment. This is your chance to share your own personal experiences or thoughts on this subject. Comments or recommendations should be sent to Amanda Karhuse, NASSP Director of Advocacy, at [email protected] by December 8, 2017. Feedback will then be incorporated into a final version that the board will approve at their March 2018 meeting.
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
Last week, the House of Representatives passed their tax reform package, H.R. 1, by a vote of 227-205.The Senate Finance Committee marked up their version of the tax bill as well.
Why Should Principals Care?
The House cleared the first major hurdle to tax reform by passing their package. Many education organizations have voiced concern over the House bill due to the fact that it will cap the state and local tax deduction at $10,000, and will eliminate a $250 deduction for teachers and principals who spend personal dollars on classroom expenses or out-of-pocket professional development. The House now waits for the Senate to vote on their bill, which will take place after Thanksgiving. If the Senate is able to pass their bill, both chambers will then go to conference with one another and decide on a final bill that will then need to be passed by both the House and Senate again before heading to President Trump’s desk.
In the Press
Examining Governing Structures Throughout the United States, Education Commission of the States
Curious how your state’s governance structures influence K–12 education compared to others? A new report analyzes how governance structures differ across the United States and highlights some key points that can be drawn on these structures’ influence on education.
Firsthand Account on the Importance of Title II Dollars, The Hill
By December 8, Congress must pass a new budget resolution to avoid a government shutdown. One of the most important programs being discussed during these budget talks is Title II of ESSA. Title II provides funds to train, recruit, and retain teachers, principals, and other school leaders. This article notes how important these professional development dollars are for educators, and how students will suffer if they’re lost. You can voice your support for Title II by contacting your congressional representatives.