DC Update

What’s Happening in Washington?

Last week, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed a new bill governing higher education out of committee and to the House floor. The Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act, or H.R. 4508, was passed out of committee 23-17 on a party line vote.

Congress will also be very busy this week as they attempt to pass a tax bill and an FY 2018 budget. A new budget must be passed by December 22 to avoid a government shutdown.

Why Should Principals Care?

H.R. 4508 eliminates several programs that benefit principals. First, this bill would eliminate Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants—Title II of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program provides funds to recruit, retain, and train teachers, principals, and other school leaders. H.R. 4508 would also eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments are made under a qualifying repayment plan while an individual is working full-time for a qualifying employer. Principals do qualify for participation in the PSLF program. Different amendments were introduced during the hearing process to restore Title II and PSLF in the bill, but both failed by committee vote. NASSP is working on future strategies to try and restore these programs during the House floor debate.

In the Press

How to Continue the Conversation on ESSA, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

Looking for the best way to continue the relationships you formed during the development of your state’s ESSA plan? CCSSO is out with a new report, created with input from NASSP, that offers suggestions on how to continue these conversations with key stakeholders.

State Chiefs Support Title II, Chiefs for Change

Congress is working on creating an FY 2018 budget and there is a chance that Title II could be eliminated. Chiefs for Change has come out in support of the program and we urge you to contact your congressional representatives to voice your support as well.

A New Report on Magnet Schools Across the Country, Magnet Schools of America

A new report was recently published highlighting the growth of magnet schools in the United States. There are now 4,340 magnet schools with nearly 3.5 million students attending them.