Don’t Miss the 2018 Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.!
Join principals from across the nation in Washington, D.C., March 19–21, for the 2018 NASSP Advocacy Conference. At this conference, 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 Capitol Hill in meetings with your congressional representatives.
The Advocacy Conference is only available to Federal Grassroots Network (FGN) members. Registration for the conference is free, but attendees will be responsible for their hotel and travel costs. Join FGN and register today by visiting the NASSP Advocacy Conference page.
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
Last week, Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown. The CR will fund the government through December 22, at which time another FY 2018 funding bill will require passage to avert a shutdown.
Why Should Principals Care?
The passage of a two-week CR has given Republicans and Democrats more time to come to the table and deliberate on a more long-term funding bill for FY 2018. There are several hurdles in the way of a deal, including a fix for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and a deal for DREAMers in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. One key area of concern for principals in the final budget should be funding numbers for Title II of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title II provides educators with professional development funds. The original House budget sought to eliminate the $2.1 billion program, but the Senate budget kept the funding level for FY 2018. It is important that you contact your members of Congress during this time so they stay aware of the important role these funds play for educators.
In the Press
How ESSA can Support Social and Emotional Learning, The Wallace Foundation
Mounting evidence suggests that social and emotional (SEL) skills are critical to students’ success in and out of the classroom. For schools, districts, and states looking to help children build these competencies, a new RAND Corporation report offers guidance on how educators can use funding streams in ESSA to implement SEL programs.