Education Policy Issues

AASA is committed to being a resource for school system leaders in all aspects of public education, including educational issues such as assessment and testing, ESEA implementation, rural education issues, vouchers and school choice initiatives and many others.

65 Percent Campaign - This campaign is a movement to force school districts to limit administrative spending to 65 percent of operating budget. It is being pursued in many states. See AASA’s talking points, other tools for fighting this campaign and more information about why this movement will not improve outcomes for children.

Assessment and Accountability - Almost all efforts to improve schooling rely on assessment and accountability systems. Sort out the different proposals and find out what will work best for your students.

Declining Enrollment - Districts nationwide, both rural and suburban, are dealing with the challenges of declining enrollment. Learn more about AASA’s work on this issue and find tools to help your district.

ESEA Implementation - AASA has been monitoring the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently nicknamed NCLB) since it was signed into law in January 2002. The implementation has been challenging. AASA has a complete analysis of state accountability plans and tracking of AYP results. AASA also has a collection of resources for implementation and information regarding FERPA, constitutionally protected prayer, and military recruiting.

Evaluation - Superintendents must find ways to effectively evaluate programs as well as students and staff. See AASA’s resources regarding evaluation.

Fast Growth - Districts experiencing fast growth face a wide array of challenges. AASA is working hard to help school districts who are facing these challenges.

Graduation Rates - Graduation rates are everywhere in the news. Despite the heated debate, all graduation rates are just estimates. See AASA staff articles about graduation rates, links to research, talking points and more.

High School Improvement - High schools are on everyone’s reform agenda. AASA polling and research indicates that leaders should pursue a systemic, continuous improvement approach. See talking points, resources and more.

IDEA Implementation - AASA has been monitoring the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act since it was reauthorized in 2004. AASA is a member of the IDEA Partnership and has been working to provide districts with up-to-date information about the implementation of this law.

Pension Portability - The Pension Portability section contains list, organized by state, to provide the most current data. This is a very complex issue that affects states, district budgets and individuals—on both sides of the table.

Rural Education - Over half of AASA’s membership is rural. Learn more about the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, get information related to rural schools with declining enrollment, check out the new rural locale codes, read our rural newsletter and find more information about the Rural Education Achievement Program.

Urban Education - Nearly thirty percent of students attend schools in cities. AASA is dedicated to assisting all of America’s urban school districts in facing a unique set of challenges.

Vouchers - Vouchers continue to be an issue in many parts of the country. See who’s behind it all and access a sample op-ed and a collection of research about vouchers.