Education Report July 17, 2009

1. Budget and Appropriations
-The House Appropriations Committee met to approve the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education funding bill for FY 2010.
-The outcome for education was as expected: an increase in overall spending of approximately three percent.
-There was mixed news for President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan:
-$1.5 billion in additional funding for the School Improvement Fund was rejected
-Increase in funding for the Teacher Incentive Fund was fully honored receiving $446 million
-The call to eliminate funding for Civic Education and Even Start programs was rejected
-The Committee then honored the request to eliminate funding for Mentoring, and Safe and Drug Free Schools State Grants
-21st Century Community Learning Centers, TRIO and Gear Up all received funding increases.
-The Senate mark-up has been delayed until July 28, and the full Committee is set to meet July 30th. The Senate has less money to spend, and will not likely be as generous towards education as the House.
-The House Committee on Education and labor released their proposed budget reconciliation bill.
To view a complete list of the Dept. of Education's funding totals see the attached document.

2. Secretary Duncan Addresses Elementary and Secondary School Principals
-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed a crowd of elementary and secondary school principals at their national associations' joint legislative conference in Washington, DC.
-He pointed out the opportunity for all educators in $100 billion education investment provided by the ARRA.
-Duncan highlighted the four areas of reform underlying the ARRA's education agenda as well as the Department of Education's priorities regarding the reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESEA).
Information on the Dept.'s plans for ongoing stimulus awards and guidance on the Race to the Top, What Works and Innovation Funds are on the agency's website and is updated daily.

3. In Brief headlines include:
-ED Awarding the Last of Phase I SFS Funding
-ED Awards Physical Education Grants
-Duncan Announces American History Grants
-CAP holds event on Payfor Performance
-ASCD holds Briefing on Improving Teacher Quality
-NCES releases New Report on Black and White Achievement Gaps
-Congressional Baby Caucus hosts Inaugural Event
-House Subcommittee holds Hearing on Youth Promise Act
-Biosciences ignored in K-12 Education, According to Report
-ITIF examines role of it in 21st Century Schools
-Senate Help Committee holds WIA Hearing
-WWC hosts discussion on International Standards
-AYPF hosts forum on Apprenticeships

Be sure to also scan sections #4( New Publications ) and #5( In the News ) for articles of interest.