However, other states and districts were able to soften the blow by using federal funding flexibility to shift funds from previous years to help cover the shortfall. For example, New Jersey was able to assuage its federal funding loss roughly in half, from a projected $44.6 million to roughly $22.6 million, according to a spokesman for the New Jersey department of education. 

Student Success Act Passes House of Representatives 

The student success act has four main goals: reducing the federal foot print, restoring local control, supporting effective teachers, and empowering parents. "It's time for a different approach, one that puts control back in the hands of the parents, teachers, administrators, and leaders who know our students best," said Rokita in a statement.

Chairman Kline further stated. "The Student Success Act will tear down barriers to progress and grant states and districts the freedom and flexibility they need to think bigger, innovate, and take whatever steps are necessary to raise the bar in our schools."

The bill passed in the House and awaits approval in the Senate. Congressional insiders predict the legislation will face an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Click here to the read the full bill. 

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Commends ConnectED Initiative

In June, President Obama and Secretary Duncan announced the new ConnectED initiative in an effort to bring the fastest possible internet connection to nearly every student in America. Currently, 50 education organizations have co-signed a letter of support.  

Last week, Duncan discussed ConnectED and his ideas about digital learning, "I want to thank the FCC commissioners for accepting the President's challenge to bring America's classrooms into the modern age with high-speed internet" He called the initiative "a first step in a five-year effort that will have enormous benefits for students, teachers and families, and for our national competitiveness."

Duncan continued, "Today, the bandwidth of the typical American school is far too low to support today's learning technologies and demands. Thanks to the ConnectED effort, teachers will have new tools to tailor learning to students' individual needs. Schools will begin to move beyond fill-in-the-bubble tests. Students- especially those in rural and geographically-isolated communities- will have access to a previously-unattainable world of resources, experts, and experiences. And families will be more closely connected with their children's schools and schoolwork."

The program comes on the heels of recent reports that have uncovered troubling statistics about school technology infrastructure. Coupled with new online learning programs, ConnectED would allow schools to keep up with technology growth demands.

President Obama Speaks about Merits of Pre-K Programs    

In a recent speech at Knox College in Illinois, President Obama continued to tout the merit of his Pre-K program, which has yet to gain much momentum in Congress as leaders focus on a No Child Left Behind overhaul. 

President Obama recently said, "If you think education is expensive, wait until you see how much ignorance costs in the 21st century." He continued, "If we don't make this investment, we'll put our kids, our workers, and our country at a competitive disadvantage for decades."
 

While Obama continues to push forward with this plan, GOP leaders argue that other measures, such as the Skills Act, are more likely to improve education. Critics argue the pre-K programs lack evidence and are far too costly to federally fund. 

Click here to view the entire speech.

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