In the Endgame of the $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Package
![featured image](https://www.nassp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NASSP21ADV-0006_Advocacy_Newsletter_2021-03_photo.jpg)
Congress is very close to passing President Joe Biden’s proposed massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The Senate worked through the weekend to pass a new version of the American Rescue Plan and sent it back to the House for consideration, which is slated to vote on it later today—the final hurdle of Congress before it heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature. Before this latest effort, Congress had already passed two major relief packages since the pandemic began last March, which provided some emergency funding for K–12 schools. While helpful, the truth is that the funding from previous legislation has not been enough to fully shield our most important public institutions against the full impact of the crisis.
National education groups, including NASSP, have been united in calling for at least $125 billion for K–12 schools in an additional COVID-19 relief package. Experts have consistently agreed that at least this level of funding is needed to both support schools now and prepare for looming state and local revenue shortfalls on the horizon. The new relief package finally includes the funding for schools NASSP and principals have requested all along, including $7 billion to close the homework gap and fund home internet access for the millions of students who lack the adequate connectivity to learn remotely.
There’s still time for school leaders to have an impact on the legislation. Send a message to your Representatives now and urge them to finish the job on this much-needed relief for schools, students, and educators.
THIS MONTH’S TOP ADVOCACY ISSUES
ED Issues Guidance on Assessments: Accountability Waivers Offered for States
Late last month in a letter to all chief state school officers, the Department of Education (ED) issued long-awaited guidance on federally mandated K–12 assessments. The Biden administration decided that tests must be administered this year despite the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming a “need to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on learning and identify what resources and supports students need,” and to prepare for addressing “the educational inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, including by using student learning data to enable states, school districts, and schools to target resources and supports to the students with the greatest needs.”
Although all states must administer annual assessments in some form, ED also invited states to apply for waivers from the accountability and school identification measures that are tied to the assessments, recognizing that student progress has undoubtedly been seriously affected by the pandemic more than any other factor schools and educators can control. Additionally, ED also signaled openness to working with states to adjust normal protocols for how the tests are logistically administered, recognizing that it may not be possible to test large numbers of students in person while adhering to protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
ED also released a resource last month to accompany the updated school reopening guidance from the CDC as part of President Biden’s pledge to have a majority of K–8 schools offering in-person learning within his first 100 days in office. Volume 1 of the new COVID-19 Handbook offers updated practical strategies and recommendations to safely open and operate schools and conduct in-person learning. ED also plans to release Volume 2 in the coming weeks, which will offer further guidance related to addressing social, emotional, and mental health needs of students, supporting educator and staff well-being, addressing learning loss, and more.
TWITTER TALK
![@akarhuse](https://files.nassp.org/email/templates/ADV/Advocacy%20Newsletter/images/akarhuse_twitter.png)
"The desperate search for substitute teachers has led some states & school districts to lower qualifications for the people entrusted to educate and supervise America's schoolchildren at a moment when learning losses are already stacking up." https://nbcnews.com/news/education… via @NBCNews
![tweet thumbnail](https://www.nassp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NASSP21ADV-0006_Advocacy_Newsletter_2021-03_tweet_thumbnail_karhuse.jpg)
|
![@zachscott33](https://files.nassp.org/email/templates/ADV/Advocacy%20Newsletter/images/zachscott33_twitter.png)
.@NASSP is thrilled to be a part of the @CivXNow now initiative and working with our colleagues from @icivics to promote civics education!
New National Civics Guidelines Carve a Middle Path for Teachers in a Polarized Climate
![tweet thumbnail](https://www.nassp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NASSP21ADV-0006_Advocacy_Newsletter_2021-03_tweet_thumbnail_scott.jpg)
|
![@GWaples](https://files.nassp.org/email/templates/ADV/Advocacy%20Newsletter/images/2018-01-25_1206.png)
📈 There is huge support across the country for the new COVID-19 relief bill before Congress.
The House has passed their version, now we need the Senate to #FinishTheJob. Send a @NASSP message for schools with one click NOW!🚨➡️https://p2a.co/lqwil8f
![tweet thumbnail](https://www.nassp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NASSP21ADV-0006_Advocacy_Newsletter_2021-03_tweet_thumbnail_waples.jpg)
|
|
|
Take Action
The virtual 2021 NASSP Advocacy Conference is just over a month away! Network with hundreds of school leaders across the country, hear from national education policy leaders, and learn how principals and educators can influence lawmakers and shape public policy. Attendance is free, so register today!
|
Other News
The Senate confirmed Miguel Cardona to become the next secretary of education on March 1. NASSP had previously endorsed President Biden’s pick to lead the department.
The NASSP Board of Directors has stated its intent to adopt two new position statements on supporting LGBTQ+ students and educators and special education. All members and other school leaders are encouraged to review the new statements and offer any feedback to Amanda Karhuse, NASSP director of advocacy, at [email protected].
NASSP is co-hosting a Facebook Live event today on preventing youth suicide with the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) from 12:30–1:00 p.m. (ET). View the event live on the AAS Facebook page.
ED recently released two new digital learning resources to help school leaders and teachers foster collaboration and meet the needs of their students: the School Leader Digital Learning Guide and the Teacher Digital Learning Guide.
Project Tomorrow’s Speak Up project aims to provide insights into how students, parents, and educators are addressing key challenges of the current learning environment. Take the survey and get the word out to stakeholders with this toolkit.
The National Coalition for Public Education hosted a webinar last month on how educators and advocates can continue to advocate against private school voucher proposals in 2021 and beyond. A recording and actionable toolkit are available.
NASSP launched a national network for LGBTQ+ school leaders. Principals and assistant principals interested in joining the network can do so by filling out this form.
Join NASSP, the American Federation of School Administrators, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals in celebrating National Assistant Principals Week, taking place April 5–9!
|
In This Month’s Principal Leadership
![](https://www.nassp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/0321PL_Cover-248x300.jpg)
Teaching the full range of sexual health topics across grades and subject areas, and within supportive school environments, can improve sexual health, social and emotional wellness, and academic outcomes for young people. Learn more in this month’s “Advocacy Agenda” from Christine Soyong Harley, president and CEO of SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change.
|
|