AAE Federal Update March 20, 2012 |
posted by: Alix | March 20, 2012, 06:32 PM |
Secretary Duncan Advocates for Tech Advances At the South by Southwest Education (SXSWedu) conference in Austin, Texas, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told the crowd in a widely-attended speech that implementing new technologies and outfitting schools with new tech-friendly equipment will be the key to future success in our country. "The future of American education undoubtedly includes a laptop on every desk and universal internet access in every home," Secretary Duncan said, "But a great teacher at the front of the classroom will still make the biggest difference in the lives of our students." Duncan addressed a large audience of educators and technology entrepreneurs at the annual conference that focuses on innovations in learning. The Secretary spoke to the importance of technology in education and noted that the Department of Education remains committed to doing "all we can at the federal level to support the use of technology." In 2010, the Obama administration issued a comprehensive education technology plan to support the broader trends in education today. Among the elements, the Department of Education is committed to aligning new materials with college and career-ready standards, as well as building up technology infrastructure with a focus on collaboration for educators. Duncan explained that technology has become essential to learning, not optional. In a nod to tech-naysayers, he also reminded the audience that even if Beethoven would have had a computer, "the Fifth Symphony would still have come from the mysterious gray matter between his ears." Click here to read more about the Department of Education's technology initiatives. New Federal Study: Minority Students Experience Inequalities in Public Education
Committee Approves K-12 Education Reform Legislation Earlier this month, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved two pieces of legislation to rewrite elementary and secondary education law, also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) largely on party lines. The Student Success Act (H.R. 3989) was approved by the committee in a vote of 23 to 16. The Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act (H.R. 3990) was approved in a vote of 23 to 16. Chairman Kline (R-MN) called the votes a victory. "With these proposals, we aim to shrink federal intrusion in classrooms and return responsibility for student success to states and school districts. We'll untie the hands of state and local leaders who are clamoring for the opportunity to change the status quo and revive innovation in our classrooms." Congressman Kline was quick to point out that the bills were drafted after lengthy input from leaders across the country. "The policies in these bills weren't drawn up behind closed doors in Washington. They come from the ideas, accomplishments, and creativity of superintendents, school chiefs, principals, and parents around the country," Chairman Kline continued. "I am pleased the committee took another step closer to lifting the burden of an ineffective law by approving the Student Success Act and the Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act." While the bills have been approved in committee, they have yet to be scheduled for a full U.S. House of Representatives vote. Click here to learn more about the Student Success Act and the Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act. President Obama Calls on Governors to Invest in Education In late February, President Obama called on the nation's governors to "invest" in education at an all-governors meeting at the White House. The meeting came at a political crossroads for the administration. On the heels of the President's State of the Union address that stressed K-12 education, the President highlighted the importance of ensuring all students in states across the country are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. In the wake of budget realities, the President called on the group to make education a priority. "Nothing more clearly signals what you value as a state as the decisions you make about where to invest," he asserted. "Budgets are about choices. So, today, I'm calling on you to choose to invest more in teachers; invest more in education; invest more in our children and their future." While President Obama advocated for increased spending, he also mentioned the delicate balance between spending and education reform in his remarks. "That doesn't mean you've got to invest in things that aren't working. That doesn't mean it doesn't make sense to break some china and move aggressively on reform. But, the fact of the matter is we don't have to choose between resources and reform. We need resources and reform." Click here to view the administration's blueprint on proposals outlined in the State of the Union address. Secretary Duncan Endorses Green School Models
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