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| Federal Update: June 12, 2013 |
| posted by: Ruthie | June 12, 2013, 05:57 PM |
|
Congress Continues to Debate Reauthorization of NCLB While lawmakers continue to propose legislation for the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), none of the measures have managed to gain bipartisan support. Experts agree that despite these new proposals, NCLB will most likely not be reauthorized this year. In typical fashion, Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on the federal government's role in school accountability. Democrats recently proposed a bill in which states would be responsible for setting goals for student achievement. Based on the NCLB waiver system, the 37 states, plus the District of Columbia, who currently have waivers, would be able to stick with those plans. States that don't already have waivers would have to come up with a set of goals that take into account both overall student achievement and growth. Contrarily, Republican proposals seek less government involvement in accountability, school turnarounds, and funding for education. The House and Senate GOP bills would require states to test students each year in grades 3-8, and once in high school in reading and math, as under NCLB. However, school improvement and goals for student achievement would be state led. "We tried hard to get a compromise," said Senator Alexander (R-TN). "We just have dramatically different views of the role of the federal government in education." While all the proposals have their critics, education advocates agree that any action is positive for advancement when NCLB is already years expired. "We would much rather see a bipartisan attempt so that we can get to the finish line," said Chris Minnich, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington. Only time will tell next steps in Congress. Early Learning Initiatives Gaining Steam President Obama's early learning proposals are moving forward as he continues to tour the country, stopping recently in Atlanta and Virginia, in order to promote his plans and build a coalition in support of quality early education. Two weeks ago, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed the Brookings Institution on the President's proposal stating: "The President's birth-to-five proposal is not only an essential investment to build a foundation for prosperity and entry into the middle class. It's also the right thing to do. Let's invest to bring every child to the same starting line. Help us get the nation's public schools out of the catch-up business. Let's keep our promises – and reinvigorate the nation's commitment to equal opportunity. It's time. Our children and our country cannot wait." Click here to read the full address. The White House also recently released state-by-state fact sheets detailing what the states could expect in federal funding for this initiative, as well as a video providing educators' testimonies of the benefits of high quality early learning programs. President Obama and Secretary Duncan Launch "Connected" Initiative Last week, President Obama and Secretary Duncan traveled to Moorseville, North Carolina to visit a model school district effectively developing curriculum that embraces technology and digital learning. While visiting, the President launched the ConnectEd initiative, calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize and leverage the existing E-rate program for schools and libraries to connect 99% of America's students to the internet through high-speed broad band and high-speed wireless, within the next five years. The initiative directs the federal government to make better use of existing funds to get internet connectivity and education technology into classrooms, and to provide teachers with the training and support to effectively use it. President Obama touted the importance of the role of technology in preparing students with the skills they need to get good jobs and compete in a global economy. While experts have praised the potential end result, fewer than 20% of educators report their school's internet connection meets the classroom's daily demands. The White House also hosted a virtual "show and tell" with high tech schools, showcasing the use of technology in the classroom. Grant Deadlines Quickly Approaching As summer begins, several federal grant opportunities will be closing in the next few weeks. These grants include:
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