Principal and Ed Leader Groups Applaud Senate for Restoring Title II
Washington, DC – Leading groups representing teachers and principals applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee for providing funding for Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program, at $2.1 billion. The Administration’s FY18 budget request and the House bill eliminated funding for this important section of the bipartisan law, a decision which would be detrimental to improving teaching and learning in our nation’s schools. Title II A, Part A provides formula funds to states and districts to support effective or evidence-based recruitment, preparation, and on-going professional learning for teachers, principals, assistant principals, and school leaders.
Congress raised the bar on the use of Title II funds, and states responded with thoughtful and focused plans for continually improving their educator workforce. Those plans recognize that developing teachers’ and leaders’ skills is essential to student success. Eliminating this program, as the House and Administration propose, would not just devastate state and district budgets, but impede student progress toward college and career readiness. We thank the Senate for the necessary restoration of funds to bring coherence and support for states and districts as they tackle ESSA implementation next year.
American Federation of School Administrators
National Association of Elementary School Principals