NAfME News
Virtual Hill Month Orientation – Preparing for March 2021
We hope you will all join us for our Orientation Webinar for this year’s Virtual Hill Month! The webinar will be held on Feb 10, 2021 at 07:00 PM Eastern time and cover how to schedule meetings with your representatives and our legislative “asks”. Click here to register!
NAfME Public Policy Team Office Hours
Join the NAfME Public Policy team on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm eastern for our office hours! During this time, NAfME staff will be available to meet with NAfME members and state leaders to answer your advocacy questions and have policy discussions. Click here to register!
State and Federal News
In Connecticut, Miguel Cardona led a full-court press for schools to reopen
2/2/2021- ‘Last summer, as school districts across America were nervously considering whether to pry open the school doors for part-time learning, Miguel Cardona was in Connecticut, pushing districts hard to return five days a week.’
Indiana bill would offer $150 million for COVID learning recovery
1/28/2021- ‘A bill speeding through the Indiana House would provide a $150 million boost for programs that aim to help students who have fallen behind in school during the pandemic.’
Gov. Tim Walz proposes automatic college acceptance for qualifying Minnesota high school seniors
2/1/2021- ‘Qualifying Minnesota high school seniors would be automatically accepted into some local colleges and universities through a new admissions program Gov. Tim Walz wants to create as part of his budget plan.’
MO- Higher Education Committee meets to discuss transparency legislation
2/1/2021- ‘Institutions of higher education would have to provide incoming freshman with certain information, including the cost of education and future earning potential, under legislation debated Monday by a House committee.’
State superintendent: Extend the Michigan school year to combat pandemic learning loss
2/2/2021- ‘Michigan’s top school official wants state lawmakers to increase the minimum number of days children are required to attend school.’
Proposed bill would require Texas high school students to take a mental health class
1/28/2021- ‘Texas Sen. José Menéndez proposed three new mental health bills.’
Research and Analysis
3 summer program strategies to address learning loss, support emotional health
Despite logistical and funding hurdles, districts are using summer programs to try different instructional approaches and build community partnerships.
Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.