Registration is Open for the 2018 Advocacy Conference
As a principal, you have a unique perspective on the issues facing your profession, your school, and your students. Join us March 19–21 at the NASSP 2018 Advocacy Conference to gain the knowledge and training you need to share this perspective and use your voice to become a strong advocate for education. You will also get the opportunity to use these skills in meetings with congressional representatives and their staff on Capitol Hill.
Registration for the conference is free, but attendees will be responsible for their hotel and travel costs. For more information, please visit the NASSP Advocacy Conference page.
Your Insight Is Needed on NASSP’s Newest Position Statement
Last week, the NASSP Board of Directors stated its intent to adopt a new position statement on Teacher Leadership. This statement expresses support for teacher leaders and offers recommendations to federal, state, and local policymakers and school leaders on how to create sustainable and supportive systems for teacher leaders to collaborate with principals for the success of their students.
The position statement is now available for public comment. This is your chance to share your own personal experiences or thoughts on this subject. Comments or recommendations should be sent to Amanda Karhuse, NASSP Director of Advocacy, at [email protected] by December 8, 2017. Feedback will then be incorporated into a final version that the board will approve at their March 2018 meeting.
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee gathered to mark up the Republican tax bill H.R. 1. The Senate also announced that they are close to releasing their own tax bill, with many sources reporting that it could differ greatly from the House version. Lastly, Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the Public Dollars for Public Schools Act.
Why Should Principals Care?
NASSP continues to closely monitor both chambers’ tax bills and what effect they will have on issues related to education. This includes the state and local tax deduction, which allows for the use of 529 plans for K–12 schooling, and the possible elimination of a $250 deduction for teachers and principals who spend personal dollars on classroom expenses or out-of-pocket professional development opportunities. You can find more detailed information on these policies here.
Representative Sewell’s Public Dollars for Public Schools Act, or H.R. 4269, would close a tax loophole that allows wealthy donors to turn a profit on donations to private school voucher organizations and would reinvest the saved funding into public schools. NASSP has voiced its support for this bill, as it would greatly benefit our nation’s public schools.
In the Press
What do Tuesday’s Election Results Mean for Education? EdWeek
On November 7, some very close gubernatorial races were decided in New Jersey and Virginia, with Democratic candidates coming out on top in both states. EdWeek takes a close look at both candidates’ education policies and what issues they will have to deal with upon taking office.
Analyzing Principal Support for Social and Emotional Learning, CASEL
A new survey of principals finds that the vast majority agree that social and emotional learning (SEL) is beneficial in developing students for life after secondary education. The report also finds that while many principals support increased SEL training for teachers, the biggest barriers to this are time and funding. You can access the full report here.