NAESP Leads Coalition Effort on Title II Funding to Support Principals

Today NAESP joined several educator groups to lead the call on Congress to fund Title II Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at the full authorized level that was included in the bi-partisan bill, which is now public law. The effort was launched after the Trump Administration’s “skinny” budget was released for FY 2018 and proposes to eliminate the program entirely. The Trump Administration is also proposing deep cuts to the program in the FY 2017 budget that is currently being negotiated on Capitol Hill. States and districts rely on Title II Part A federal program to support both teacher and principal professional learning and other efforts that result in effective teaching and school leadership practice. The initiative has gained broad support from other national, state and local education organizations concerned about the proposal.

Last week NAESP included the priority to fund Title II Part A as part of the 2017 advocacy campaign launched at the National Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. Over 200 elementary and middle level principals advocated on Capitol Hill to preserve Title II Part A funds as states and districts begin implementation of ESSA. The new law provides an unprecedented opportunity for states and districts to support effective leadership practices, particularly in struggling schools, and funding is necessary as more than thirteen states have indicated they will take advantage of the new use of funds to support principals.

Click here to read the letter.