The Leading Edge: Policy & Advocacy Blog
The Leading Edge, AASA's policy & advocacy blog, provides up-to-date information about activities in Washington, D.C. and Capitol Hill that affect you and your school district.
Topics include new or proposed regulations and federal policies, federal funding updates and opportunities, advocacy resources and more.
Latest Posts
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May 15, 2023
Dept of Ed Opens Grant Applications for Fostering Diverse Schools DemonstrationLast week, the Department of Education opened applications for the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration grants program.
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May 15, 2023
Dept of Ed Updates Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in K-12 SchoolsThe updated guidance comes after the Supreme Court's decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.
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May 11, 2023
ED Releases ESSER II Liquidation TemplateOn Friday, ED released a document with more details on the late liquidation process for ESSER II.
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May 09, 2023
AASA Submits Comments on USDA to Lower CEP Eligibility ThresholdYesterday, AASA in partnership with ASBO, submitted comments in support of USDA's proposed rule to lower the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) eligibility threshold from 40 to 25.
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May 09, 2023
Resources on Implementing Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural AreasOur friends at No Kid Hungry have developed resources to help eligible districts and community based organizations implement non-congregate meal service in rural areas.
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May 05, 2023
AASA Submits Comments on Proposed Update to the School Nutrition StandardsOur comments expressed deep concerns with the impact of the proposed standards on the palatability of school meals and therefore student participation in school meal programs.
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May 05, 2023
The Advocate May 2023 - Detailing the Debt Ceiling DebateAs we kick off May, the ticking policy time bomb getting all the attention in Washington D.C. is the debt ceiling.
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May 03, 2023
Guest Post: Making the Most of Your Summer Fun(ds)This guest blog post was written by AASA President-Elect 2022-23 Gladys Cruz about leveraging ARP dollars for afterschool or summer programs.
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April 28, 2023
Dept of Ed Seeking Recommendations for Nominees to Serve Regional Agency Committees for Educational NeedsSecretary Cardona is seeking recommendations for nominees to serve on Regional Advisory Committees, (RACs).
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April 28, 2023
Student Data and Privacy Testimony at Congressional HearingAmelia Vance, director of AASA’s Student and Child Privacy Center, testified before the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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April 26, 2023
Apply by May 26: New School Nutrition Grant Program for Small and Rural DistrictsThe Healthy Meal Incentives Grant Program for small and rural school food authorities (SFAs) is now open. Deadline to apply is May 26.
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April 20, 2023
Education Groups Call on Congress To Raise Debt Ceiling, Avoid Education Cuts -
April 19, 2023
AASA Responds to Senate Request for Information About Education Sciences Reform ActAASA sent a letter, joint between its advocacy team and the Student and Child Privacy Center, providing information about improving federal education research.
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April 17, 2023
Funds for 3 Federal School Safety Grants Still AvailableThere’s still time to apply for three U.S. Department of Justice school safety grants!
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April 14, 2023
GUEST POST: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic…And Relationship Health Education?This guest blog post is brought to you by Amy S. Crumbaugh, director of Learning and Evaluation at the One Love Foundation.
Latest Advocacy & Policy Resources
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April 18, 2024
PEP Talk Episode 29: The School Voucher Legal SagaType:Podcast Topics: Advocacy & Policy, District & School OperationsOn this episode of PEP Talk, Kat Sturdevant interviews Jessica Levin, litigation director at the Education Law Center about the ongoing litigation of school voucher programs in states, and the rhetoric proponents use to justify the transfer of public funds to private institutions. -
April 06, 2024
A Systems Approach to Limiting or Eliminating the Use Restraint and Seclusion in SchoolsType:Article Topics: Advocacy & Policy, EquityThis article highlights the prevalent use of restraint and seclusion in schools, particularly affecting students with disabilities, emphasizing recent U.S. Justice Department guidance aligning with research advocating for limited and emergency-only use of such practices, while proposing three systemic changes—implementing positive behavior intervention supports, supporting students in crisis, and involving families—to mitigate or eradicate their use. -
April 01, 2024
Advocacy and Governance Team’s Key Support RoleType:Article Topics: Advocacy & PolicyThe ins and outs of AASA’s Advocacy & Governance Department staff in furthering members’ interests.
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