In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) dated October 13, 2023, twelve education organizations requested that USDE announce a firm release date for the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The USDE has stated that the release of the revised form will occur this December, but the…
Proposed guidance released October 2, 2023 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from harassment and discrimination in the workplace could come into direct conflict with spreading state and local policies on pronoun use and facility access for transgender school employees. The EEOC guidance would consider intentional…
As reported by K-12 Dive, on October 19, 2023, by a 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an expansion of the E-rate program to support Wi-Fi on school transportation vehicles. The support will help schools to address inequities for students who lack internet access at home, particularly those who…
As the U.S. Supreme Court term began on October 2, 2023, there were no cases on the docket that directly involve pupil services. However, cases that have yet to reach the Court could have a profound impact on transgender issues in K-12 education. In fact conflicting ruling from the 7th…
K-12 college counseling, targeted outreach, and pathway programs for high school students can serve as strategies to encourage underserved students to apply to college in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision overturning race-conscious admissions, according to a U.S. Department of Education report issued September 28th. The Supreme…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has partnered with Mappedin to develop a suite of new AI-powered tools aimed at automating the mapping process. Such tools include Mappedin Response, a cloud-based capability that enables first responders to review and analyze indoor floor plans in real-time while responding to emergencies. In addition,…
On September 21, 2023 a bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House that would encourage schools and their community partners to teach students about the dangers of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. The Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act would also create a federal task force…
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents and advocates can use a number of dispute resolution options when they believe that a school is failing to serve students as required under federal law. One of those options is the written state complaint (WSC). According to the Council of…
On September 8, 2023, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) released a free toolkit to help school nurses and other school personnel respond to drug overdoses on campuses, including using naloxone to try to reverse an opioid overdose. The toolkit offers resources to assist school nurses and other school leaders in…
As time continues to run out on approving a FY 2024 funding bill, a September 5, 2023 letter to all congressional leaders and members sent by The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) cautions lawmakers about the adverse effects of passing a Republican proposal to cut 80% of Title I money. The letter, signed by 45 education…
