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Federal Updates

NEW: CISA Releases New Cybersecurity Resources for K12 Schools and Districts

August 17, 2026 | Comments Off on NEW: CISA Releases New Cybersecurity Resources for K12 Schools and Districts

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released new cybersecurity resources to help schools strengthen their defenses.

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HHS Releases Proposed Rule to Rewrite Head Start Standards

August 17, 2026 | Comments Off on HHS Releases Proposed Rule to Rewrite Head Start Standards

On August 8, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that amends the Head Start Program Performance Standards to streamline the program, provide greater flexibility and allow for more state and local control. The proposed rule represents the most substantial set of regulatory changes to the program’s governing rules since its inception 61 years ago.

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AESA Member Resource Expands Nationwide to Help Protect E-Rate

August 7, 2026 | Comments Off on AESA Member Resource Expands Nationwide to Help Protect E-Rate

A resource developed by AESA member Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) to demonstrate the local impact of E-Rate funding has gone national! As the FCC considers changes that could significantly affect the future of E-Rate, this timely tool gives education leaders access to district- and county-specific funding data to help make the case for protecting this critical program. Learn more, explore the resource, and see how you can help keep schools connected.

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Senate Commerce Committee Advances Kids’ Online Safety Legislation

August 7, 2026 | Comments Off on Senate Commerce Committee Advances Kids’ Online Safety Legislation

The Senate Commerce Committee recently considered a package of bipartisan bills focused on protecting children’s privacy and safety online, including legislation addressing social media platforms, artificial intelligence, AI chatbots, and AI-enabled toys.

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Senate HELP Committee Advances K-12 Education Bills

August 6, 2026 | Comments Off on Senate HELP Committee Advances K-12 Education Bills

On July 30, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held its first significant markup of K-12 education legislation this Congress. AESA has been closely following these proposals and shares the positions outlined below on the bills and amendments considered by the committee.

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AESA Co-signs Letter to Treasury on FSTC Program Implementation

July 31, 2026 | Comments Off on AESA Co-signs Letter to Treasury on FSTC Program Implementation

AESA joined a coalition of national public education organizations in submitting recommendations to the U.S. Department of Treasury as it develops proposed regulations and guidance for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program.

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ED Removes Disparate Impact Regulations

July 27, 2026 | Comments Off on ED Removes Disparate Impact Regulations

On July 23, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would be removing regulations that had been in place for over 60 years that recognized discrimination can occur through the effects of a policy, not just intent.

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DHS Releases New Public Charge Rule

July 24, 2026 | Comments Off on DHS Releases New Public Charge Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a final regulation on public charge that could penalize noncitizens who use income-based public benefit programs such as school meals, SNAP and Medicaid.

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Arkansas Latest State to Receive ESEA Waiver

July 20, 2026 | Comments Off on 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.

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Education Committee Marks Up Legislation to Codify ED IAAs

July 17, 2026 | Comments Off on Education 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.

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Related Resources

E-Rate
The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections. The program is intended to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services.

Official USAC Web site

Other websites and resources:

United States Department of Education

ESSA

IDEA Legislation:
Chapter 33-Education of Individuals with Disabilities

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