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Federal Update: January 29, 2014
posted by: Ruthie | January 29, 2014, 08:25 PM   


President Obama Highlights Education Policy in State of the Union Address

During last night's State of the Union Address, President Obama touched on several key education reforms championed in 2013. He recommitted to universal pre-K, student loan accessibility, career readiness in students, connected education, and specific programs to help young African-American men.


"It will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education -- from the day they are born to the day they begin a career," said President Obama.

While none of these initiatives are new, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to making quality education accessible to all students, regardless of income, race, or location. He explained his plan to continue importing early childhood education, while also making secondary education affordable for  everyone. He highlighted continued investment in technology.

"We know that our schools don't just need more resources.  They need more reform.  That is why this budget creates new incentives for teacher performance, pathways for advancement, and rewards for success.  We'll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps.  And we will expand our commitment to charter schools," President Obama announced.

Click here
to view the entire speech.

National Leaders Praise National School Choice Week


With
National School Choice Week well underway, legislators from all stripes have expressed their support for this important week.

Among the supporters are House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN), Congressman George Miller (D-CA), and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO).

Speaker Boehner
commented, "When parents are empowered to select the best schools, students have a better shot at an education that will help them succeed and pursue their dreams."

Congressman Polis further stated, "Each and every child has a unique set of skills and needs. We need to ensure that our school system is prepared to maximize their students' skills and address their needs through differentiated learning methods." He continued, "Effective charter schools, gifted and talented programs, online education, and inter- and intra-district public school choice, are among the many promising avenues of innovation and reform that we need to foster."

Click here
to read more statements from legislators who support options for teachers and students.


Departments of Education & Justice Release School Discipline Guide

Earlier this month, the Departments of Education and Justice released a school discipline guidance package designed to assist states, school districts, and schools in developing strategies to enhance a positive school climate and ensure discipline policies and practices comply with federal law and are also effective.

While the number of incidents of school violence has decreased overall, many schools are struggling to create positive and safe environments.  Every year, significant numbers of students miss class due to suspensions and expulsions -- even for minor infractions of school rules. Schools can improve safety by making sure climates are welcoming and that responses to misbehavior are fair, non-discriminatory, and effective.

The package provides resources for creating positive, safe environments, which are essential for boosting student academic success and closing achievement gaps.

Click here to get this four-part guide.

Departments of Education and Treasury Announce Collaboration with Intuit Inc. to Raise Awareness about Income-Driven Repayment Options for Students Loans


Recently, the Department of Education, the Department of Treasury and Intuit Inc. announced a collaboration to raise awareness about income-driven repayment plans and other repayment options for federal student loan borrowers.

This effort is part of President Obama's broader agenda, announced last August, to combat rising college costs, make college more affordable, and improve value for students and their families.

The President called for the Department of Education and Treasury to partner together around increasing consumer awareness of repayment options, and this new collaboration is a response to his call.

Click here
to find out how this partnership can benefit you.

 

Comments (1)Add Comment
The Best Schools
written by Calvin & Lottie Beasley, January 30, 2014

From the AAE blog- Speaker Boehner commented, "When parents are empowered to select the best schools, students have a better shot at an education that will help them succeed and pursue their dreams."
What the speaker doesn't realize is that parents themselves are what makes schools the best. When parents involve themselves in lessons, activities, assignments, school events, children make higher achievements.

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