Legislative Updates

Attached is a summary of the final requirements for the $3.546 billion School Improvement Grants (SIGs) made available from the combined American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations funds. Secretary Duncan announced the release on Thursday, December 3.

On Monday, November 30, 2009 the Coalition for Community Schools (CCS) hosted a webinar sponsored by The Institute for Educational Leadership titled, "Race to the Top: The Implications for Community Oriented Schools." The discussion focused on how the core functions and services of community schools can help states achieve the goals enumerated in the Race to the Top (RTT) guidelines.   --> read more »

1. Budget and Appropriations
-Members of Congress returned to Washington after an unexpectedly brief Thanksgiving Recess to be confronted with a legislative calendar that includes "working weekends" through Christmas Eve.
-In the Senate the culprit is a massive healthcare reform bill that will require weeks of debate.   --> read more »

Attached is a copy of the letter the Florida Council for the Social Studies sent to Gene Wilhoit at the Council of Chief State School Officers on the proposed new Core Curriculum Standards from the National Government. If you would like to see these Core Curriculum Standards you can visit the web site at www.corestandards.org/

Attached please find a summary of Friday November 20th, ED Stakeholder meeting. The topic for this latest in their series of Stakeholder Forums on issues to consider during the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act focused on divers

Attached is a summary of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education’s November 19 hearing to review existing federal literacy initiatives and explore strategies for improving the reading comprehension skills of all children from birth through high school.   --> read more »

1. Budget and Appropriations
-This week, once again, healthcare was the topic of press conferences and scoring efforts and predictions related to the Congressional schedule. While important, the intersection with the stalled reconciliation bill is of particular interest to the education community.   --> read more »

On Monday November 16th, the Institute of International Education (IIE) presented their annual Open Doors 2009 report at a press event at the National Press Club. The event marked the beginning of the 10th annual International Education Week, collaboration between the U.S. Departments of State and Education that promotes and celebrates the benefits of international education worldwide.   --> read more »

1. Budget and Appropriations   --> read more »

Attached please find the Washington Partner's summary of the Race to the Top's (RTT) final application guidance. The $4.35 billion RTT will reward states that have raised student performance in the past and have the capacity to accelerate achievement gains with innovative reforms. Two rounds of competition for the grants will be held with the first round having a due date of January 19, 2010.