Posts by csowder@aesa.us
FCC Releases State by State Info on How Universal Service Fund Impacts States
FCC Releases State by State Info on How Universal Service Fund Impacts States By Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy, AESA Background: The Universal Service Fund is a $8 billion decades-old mechanism created by Congress in 1996 to support vital communications investments where the marketplace falls short: connecting schools and libraries to high-speed…
Read MoreAESA Joins EdLiNC Coalition in Expressing Deep Frustration with 5th Circuit E-Rate Decision
AESA Joins EdLiNC Coalition in Expressing Deep Frustration with 5th Circuit E-Rate Decision On July 24, the 5th Circuit struck down the funding mechanism for the universal service fund, which includes the E-Rate program. E-Rate provides $4.7 billion annually for schools and libraries to receive broadband and Wi-Fi services. This is an extreme decision that contradicts two…
Read MoreJuly 2024: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for July 2024 delves into state-level legislation and policy trends, offering insights on what to expect when state legislatures reconvene this fall post-election. Additionally, we provide a forward look into the 2025 legislative sessions.
Read MoreUSED Issues Resources to Help Schools Prepare for 2024 Title IX Regulations
USED Issues Resources to Help Schools Prepare for 2024 Title IX Regulations As schools prepare to implement amended Title IX regulations on August 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released new resources to support schools in those efforts. The resources are: Title IX Regulations: Pointers for Implementation, which…
Read More5th Circuit Court Rules Universal Service Fund (Which Covers E-Rate) Unconstitutional
5th Circuit Court Rules Universal Service Fund (Which Covers E-Rate) Unconstitutional On July 24, the 5th Circuit Court handed down its decision in the case Consumers Research et. al vs. the FCC, where the plaintiffs argued that using E-rate funds for Wi-Fi on school buses exceeds the FCC’s authority to provide internet access in schools…
Read MoreGuest Post: Making the Most of Your Summer Fun(ds)— Sustaining Summer
Guest Post: Making the Most of Your Summer Fun(ds)— Sustaining Summer This is a guest post from AESA member and AASA 2023-2024 president, Gladys Cruz. It’s hard to believe, but this monthly series has been running for over a year now, providing just-in-time tips and tools to help maximize ESSER funding via effective summer programs.…
Read MoreJune 2024: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for June 2024 will examine state-level legislation targeting artificial intelligence (AI). In addition it will review state-level budgets and finance; statehouse news; national reports; and advocacy tips including coalition building among educational stakeholders.
Read MoreFCC Chairwoman Announces Vote to Allow E-Rate to be Used for Wi-Fi and Hot Spots
FCC Chairwoman Announces Vote to Allow E-Rate to be Used for Wi-Fi and Hot Spots K-12 education groups applaud expansion to enhance greater internet connectivity for public schools and libraries nationwide Alexandria, Va. – June 26, 2024 – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the FCC will vote to expand its E-Rate…
Read MoreHHS Releases Proposed Rule on Head Start Staff Compensation, Benefits and More
HHS Releases Proposed Rule on Head Start Staff Compensation, Benefits and More By Tara Thomas, Policy Analyst, AESA On November 20, 2023, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rulemaking on various aspects of Head Start. The headline of the rule is a significant change to staff compensation and benefits in an effort to improve…
Read More