Posts by csowder@aesa.us
Arkansas Latest State to Receive ESEA Waiver
On July 7, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved Arkansas for a Sec. 8401 waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including some flexibility that other States have not yet received, as well as for Ed-Flex authority.
Read MoreEducation Committee Marks Up Legislation to Codify ED IAAs
On July 15, the House Education and Workforce Committee passed a series of bills meant to codify many of the Inter Agency Agreements (IAAs) announced by the U.S. Department of Education over the past year.
Read MoreED Announces New Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Enforcement Initiative
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a new national K-12 enforcement initiative focused on preventing sexual misconduct in schools and addressing the practice commonly known as “passing the trash”—when an employee credibly accused of sexual misconduct is allowed to move to another position or district without appropriate accountability.
Read MoreAESA Comments on OMB’s New Proposed Funding Rules
AESA along with ASBO International and AASA have submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) expressing serious concerns about proposed changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance, the federal rules that govern how grant funds are managed and used by districts and education service agencies.
Read MoreUPDATE: Department of Education Releases Final Rule on Reimagining and Improving Student Education
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released its Reimagining and Improving Student Education—Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations. This final rule codifies the higher education provisions that Congress included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which established new aggregate lifetime loan limits for students and restructured loan repayment systems.
Read MoreJune 2026: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for June 2026 examines trending state policy and funding issues heading into the November 2026 election cycle.
Read MoreTake Action: Help Protect the E-Rate Program
The FCC is considering major changes to the E-Rate program. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help protect critical broadband funding for schools and libraries.
Read MoreIndiana Becomes Third State Approved for ESEA Waiver
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved a waiver for Indiana under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Indiana joins two other States who have been approved for similar waivers, Louisiana and Iowa, but Indiana’s waiver includes the broadest flexibility that ED has approved so far.
Read MoreOSERS and OCR Will Move Out of ED
On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education announced two new interagency agreements that would move key education offices and functions outside of ED.
Read MoreNew Legislation Would Support Mentorship for Beginning Educators
AESA has endorsed the Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT). The bill would help states and school districts expand mentorship programs for new teachers and school leaders, strengthening support and improving educator retention.
Read More