Posts by csowder@aesa.us
How Educational Service Agencies Can Support English Learners
This document highlights seven key ways Educational Service Agencies (ESAs) can enhance support for multilingual learners (MLs) in U.S. schools. It provides guidance on legal responsibilities, translation services, equitable evaluations, early education multilingualism, specialized programs, professional development, and culturally responsive teaching. The focus is on asset-based approaches to foster the academic and social success of MLs, benefitting the educational landscape for all students.
Read MoreGuest Post: Uncapped Federal Funding for Healthy, Efficient Schools
Guest Post: Uncapped Federal Funding for Healthy, Efficient Schools This guest post comes to us from UndauntedK12 about taking advantage of clean energy opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act is accelerating the clean energy transition throughout America’s public schools—creating healthy and efficient learning environments for students. A new national map of School Investments in Clean Energy highlights over 300…
Read MoreWhat to Expect from the Lame Duck Congress
What to Expect from the Lame Duck Congress Written by Tara Thomas, AESA Policy Analyst On September 25, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded until December 20 and adjourned for recess until after the election. When members return on November 12, the House and Senate will have a long to-do…
Read MoreCISA Announces New K-12 School Security Guide for School Business Officials
CISA Announces New K-12 School Security Guide for School Business Officials Recently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the K-12 School Security Guide Companion Product for School Business Officials, a new resource to help school business officials support physical security planning and implementation initiatives in K-12 schools and school districts. This new companion…
Read MoreNew USED Resources for Districts to Support Students with Mental Health Disabilities
New USED Resources for Districts to Support Students with Mental Health Disabilities In September, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued four new resources for schools, stakeholders, students with disabilities, and their families. These documents outline the rights of students with mental health disabilities and the responsibilities of elementary and…
Read MoreMAISA, MDE, and Partners Roundtable with the U.S. Department of Education
MAISA, MDE, and Partners Roundtable with the U.S. Department of Education I wanted to take a moment to share an incredible opportunity Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA)Â had this week with the U.S. Department of Education. During a roundtable with our many partners, we tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing schools across…
Read MoreUSED Releases Resources for Key Aspects of ESEA Implementation
USED Releases Resources for Key Aspects of ESEA Implementation This week, the U.S. Department of Education has released three documents to assist chief state school officers with implementing key aspects of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). School improvement guidance for public comment: designed to support States in identifying schools for additional support, partnering…
Read MoreCourt Grants FCC Request for Stay (for E-Rate and Universal Service Fund)
Court Grants FCC Request for Stay (for E-Rate and Universal Service Fund) By Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy, AESA On the heels of last month’s 5th circuit court decision which challenges the constitutionality of the funding mechanism for the universal service fund (Read related blog posts here and here), the 5th circuit has granted the FCC its…
Read MoreHHS Releases Head Start Final Rule With More Flexibility on Wage Requirements
HHS Releases Head Start Final Rule With More Flexibility on Wage Requirements By Tara Thomas, Policy Analyst, AESA This week, the Biden Administration released its long-awaited final rule on Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming. The rule updates various aspects of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, but most notably, significantly increases compensation and benefits…
Read MoreFY25 Appropriations Update
FY25 Appropriations Update By Tara Thomas, Policy Analyst, AESA On August 1, 2024, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed its FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) proposal. The bill increased funding for the Department of Education (ED) by $1 billion, including increases for Title I (+280 million) and IDEA (+295 million). This proposal is…
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