Updates
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, AESAÂ Background:Â 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 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 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 MoreGuest Post: Title IX – Navigating Delays from State Lawsuit Victories
On June 13, 2024, a federal court in Louisiana upheld a challenge to the proposed Title IX rules, putting a temporary hold on the rule in Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana. Read more in this guest post.
Read MoreE-Rate Amicus Brief
E-Rate Amicus Brief AESA Joins School and Library Groups in Amicus Supporting E-Rate  AESA joined 10 other national organizations in an amicus brief, responding to the Molak v FCC case in the fifth circuit in support of the FCC. The Molak case asserts the FCC is overstepping its authority in its recent move to allow…
Read MoreAll is NOT Calm, But Will Be Alright; Congress and Student Privacy
All is NOT Calm, But Will Be Alright; Congress and Student Privacy By Noelle Ellerson Ng Associate Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy, AESA It has been a busy six weeks on Capitol Hill concerning legislation about student privacy. Before I recap the current situation, let’s rewind for some context. At the start of 2024, Amelia…
Read MoreFAFSA Fast Flash Update from USEDÂ
FAFSA Fast Flash Update from USED In addition to submission data, here are key updates about FAFSA. First, here are new resources for students and families:  Student-facing and parent-facing signs (for printing and web) with a QR code that leads directly to the FAFSA form   An editable version of the sign so you can…
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