Follow AAE on:

Subscribe to RSS Feed:

Federal Update: January 4, 2012
posted by: Ruthie | January 04, 2013, 02:10 PM   

The 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal and Education Spending


Following an eventful holiday season, yesterday President Obama signed legislation designed to avoid the "fiscal cliff" and prevent automatic spending cuts across all government agencies. The measure was passed just in time to delay the cuts until March. Federal education programs will be spared from deep cuts, but only temporarily.

If lawmakers do not settle on a budget by the end of March, the federal government could be shut down. To make matters worse, the nation has hit the federal debt ceiling yet again, meaning that Congress will need to pass new legislation to borrow more money and keep agencies and programs in operation.

This situation leaves states, school districts, education advocates, and the Department of Education uncertain about the future. While specifics regarding programs remain in the dark, the reported 8.2% cut government wide will clearly have an impact on education funding.

Regardless of when and how sequestration actually plays out, it is clear that Congress will be very busy as they navigate the troubled waters of America's fiscal policies. With lawmakers tied up with the debate over priorities, education initiatives such as programs governing special education, community development grants, higher education, career and technical education, work force development, and a reauthorization of No Child Left Behind could be stalled for quite some time.



Republican Todd Rokita Named New Chairman of K-12 Congressional Panel

With the 113th Congress officially beginning today, Indiana Republican Congressman Todd Rokita was selected as the new chairman of the K-12 education subcommittee. Historically, this role has been pivotal in deciding new federal educational policy. Past chairmen have moved for the renewal of No Child Left Behind, created the Institute of Education Science, and lead the most recent renewal of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

In a statement Rokita said, "In recent years, Indiana has helped lead the way with groundbreaking education reforms that have set an example for the rest of the nation. I'm excited to serve as chairman of the subcommittee with oversight over K-12 education, where I will have the opportunity to take what we've learned in Indiana to Washington, and also to ensure that states like Indiana have the flexibility and help they need to deliver top-quality education for students and families."

While Representative Rokita has yet to sponsor any education bills, he has co-sponsored several. Included in his portfolio is a bi-partisan piece of legislation, the "A-Plus Act" which would allow states to opt out of federal accountability in education, and a bill making English the official language of the United States.



Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Expresses Sympathy and Encouragement in Video Message

On behalf of the Department of Education, Secretary Arne Duncan expressed condolences and thanks to the teachers and school staff at Sandy Hook Elementary. "We ask a lot of our nation's teachers," Secretary Duncan said in a video. "But no one could possibly ask for this kind of sacrifice."

He expressed to teachers his resolve to "try, working together with [their] leadership, courage and commitment to do everything to keep schools a safe haven where educators can fulfill their mission in life - to teach and help raise our Nation's children."

He thanked teachers and encouraged their work saying, "Please know that your work on behalf of our children is deeply valued."

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to read AAE Executive Director Gary Beckner's statement on the tragedy in Newtown.



Department of Education Releases Resources to Help Children Cope With Trauma


The U.S. Department of Education has issued several helpful resources from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. These guides aim to address helping students recover from traumatic events.

Tips for Adults on How to Talk with Children About Connecticut School Shooting
Helping Young Children and Families Cope with Trauma (SAMHSA National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Click here for a full list of resources.

In a letter to school districts around the country, Secretary Arne Duncan noted that, "Whenever a school experiences violence and the lives of children and adults are lost, we struggle to find words to express our emotions and explain how this could have happened."






Comments (0)Add Comment

Submit a comment
 (not published)
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy