Lawmakers across the country have been stressing the importance of leadership training for district and school administrators saying that it will make a big impact on student learning in K-12 schools. With the help of the Every Student Succeeds Act states have been presented with new ways to support and develop the skills of school and district leaders. As a result of this Act, 24 bills were introduced in 14 states in 2017 with the goal of producing stronger leaders and positively impacting student learning. Of these 24 bills, 13 have been enacted providing teachers, principles and school administrators the funds needed to launch leadership training programs and other professional development opportunities to strengthen low performing schools and continue to support flourishing ones. The states that are now enforcing new laws include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington. (Source: Education Commission of the States)
What does this mean for professional development?
Mandatory training, required by the states listed above, means that principles, teachers and other school leaders will find an increase in opportunities to develop their leadership skills, perform their job better and advance in their career. It is predicted that the training being enforced by specific states will also be provided by the states through leadership academies, teacher colleges and other sources. To ensure your school is taking advantage of the training benefits of these new laws, make sure to read up on the enacted legislation in your state.
Senate Rejects Trump Teacher Budget Cuts
In May 2017 President Donald Trump submitted a new budget proposal for the U.S. Department of Education. The new budget suggested big changes in education funding with the largest cuts being on the Title II program which is aimed at teacher development. In the beginning of September, lawmakers managing education spending rejected the Trump administration's K-12 suggested budget cuts, resulting in the preservation of federal programs directed toward teacher training and professional development. (Source: Education Week)
What does this mean for professional development?
With the Title II program still intact, grants and funding will continue to be granted to education industries for teacher learning and development in 2018.