| Gear Up for 2017’s National Principals Month!
Please join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring our nation’s principals during National Principals Month! Throughout October, these organizations urge schools, states, and government officials to make a concerted effort to recognize the impact principals have on student achievement and school success, and show their appreciation for these tireless leaders.
There are countless ways for students, teachers, schools, and communities to participate and show their support! Not sure where to start? Visit www.principalsmonth.org to learn how to get involved or check #ThankAPrincipal to see what others have done in years past and share why you love being a principal.
This Month’s Top Advocacy Issues
Congress’ September To-Do List
Congress is currently in the middle of a very busy September, with many deadlines continuing to loom:
- FY 2018 Budget and Debt Ceiling: Upon returning from recess, two of Congress’ most daunting tasks were passing a FY 2018 budget and raising the debt ceiling. However, in an unexpected turn of events, President Trump made a deal with congressional Democrats to link a debt ceiling increase, hurricane relief, and a FY 2018 budget extension into one bill. This budget extension will last until January 1, 2018, meaning Congress will have to come up for with a budget by then to prevent a government shutdown. This bill passed the House 316–90 and was then signed into law by President Trump.
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP provides coverage for children who are low-income but don’t qualify for Medicaid. Last year, 8.9 million children received insurance through CHIP. Authorization for CHIP ends on September 30 and it is believed that all states would exhaust their funds for the program in 2018.
Twitter Talk
For more advocacy tweets, join us on social media by following NASSP and the advocacy staff on Twitter:
Collaborations
On August 29, NASSP partnered with several other national education organizations to host a Title II Day of Action. The day saw educators of all levels across the nation support professional development funds for teachers and school leaders. Overall, 479 participated on social media, and 757 messages were sent to Congress from NASSP members alone. NASSP wants to thank everyone who participated and urges you to keep the conversation going. |
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Take Action
Title II is dangerously close to losing funding altogether. It is crucial that you contact your representatives during this critical juncture to inform them that Title II is necessary for principals to help their students and their school. You can do this by participating in NASSP’s latest action alert. |
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In this Month’s
Principal Leadership
As states continue to develop their Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plans, they are also drafting plans and suggestions on ways they can use Title II dollars to support teachers and principals. However, securing federal funding for Title II continues to be an uphill battle, with the possibility that funding for the program may be eliminated. This month’s “Advocacy Agenda” highlights how ESSA plans may use Title II funds and examines the current budget fight for Title II.
All FGN members are invited to write a guest article for Principal Leadership or blog post for School of Thought. Just email Manager of Advocacy Zachary Scott with your idea. |
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NASSP Announces Date for the 2018 Advocacy Conference
Have you ever wondered how you can serve your students beyond your school walls? Let us show you how at the 2018 Advocacy Conference, March 19–21! At this conference, educators will have the chance to meet with their congressional representatives and staff to share the problems they face as school leaders. Best of all, registration for the conference is free! Registration is not yet available, but look out for updates. |
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