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Member Newsletter

AESA’s weekly newsletter, Online News, is full of important updates, articles, and features. It is intended to connect members with information about what is happening at the federal level, provide AESA event information, and share news important to ESAs.

Read the Current Issue of AESA Online News

member newsletter previewJuly 1, 2025: Call to Action for Federal K-12 Funding; Importance of Advocacy in Action Conference; Schedule At-A-Glance; Federal Updates including 3 Big Wins for Education; Member Spotlight on Research; Share Your ESA Podcast; Collaborating Partner News; and more.

Online News Archives

Federal Updates

State Department Pauses Appointments for J Visas

May 29, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a consular cable to U.S. embassies and consulates regarding F and J visa appointments. According to news coverage, “the memo instructs consular posts to pause processing of J visa applications while the Department develops procedures to expand social media screening.” While the intent appeared to focus on international students, the guidance was broadly worded and is currently being interpreted by posts as applying to all J categories—including teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel programs.

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ED Publishes New Discretionary Grant Priorities

May 25, 2025

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a set of competitive grant priorities that the agency says it intends to apply to all discretionary grants moving forward. Grant competitions will incorporate three new priorities: “evidence-based literacy,” “school choice,” and “returning education to the States.”

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Federal Judge Orders ED to Re-Hire Workers Subject to RIF

May 24, 2025

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday ordering the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to reinstate employees who were terminated under the March 11th reduction in force (RIF). The order also prohibits the administration from implementing the March 20th Executive Order to dismantle ED.

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