August 27, 2024

The countdown is ON for the Advocacy in Action Conference set for September 25-27, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Here's what's on the agenda:

Ed Tech Part I – The Future of E-rate
Join us for an in-depth discussion on the 5th Circuit Court decision and its implications for the billions of dollars that schools depend on for connectivity. We’ll explore the potential impacts on the E-rate program, delve into the Learn Without Limits Initiative, and address the crucial topic of cybersecurity.

Ed Tech Part II – Student Privacy and Congress
As student privacy and online safety take center stage on Capitol Hill, this session will cover the latest proposals moving through Congress and their potential impact on education. We’ll also examine expected updates from the Department of Education, including potential changes to FERPA regulations.

Regulatory Update
Get up-to-speed with a comprehensive overview of recent federal regulatory changes affecting education. This session will cover updates on Title IX, overtime regulations, Head Start, and more.

Education in the 2024 Election
Explore the role education is playing in the 2024 election cycle. This conversation will provide insights into how education is influencing local, state, and federal campaigns across the country.

Conversation with Hill Staffers
Hear directly from Hill staffers about the latest developments on Capitol Hill and gain valuable tips for conducting effective meetings.

Federal Update and Meeting Prep
Join Noelle Ellerson Ng and Tara Thomas for their popular session where they’ll provide everything you need to know to prepare for your meetings on Capitol Hill.

Due to the fast-paced nature in DC, additional content and speakers will be announced as we get closer to the conference time.

Get your room now!

A block of rooms have been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill for conference attendees. The hotel reservation deadline is September 3, 2024. (That is ONE week from today!). A link to reserve your room will be provided after your conference registration is received. 

Before the Advocacy in Action Conference kicks off, make sure to attend our pre-conference on September 25, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 pm. This session will focus on state-level advocacy and features an incredible lineup of sessions designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate effectively within your state.

State Education Policy Trends & Working with State Boards of Education  
Stay updated on key state education policy trends and learn effective strategies for collaborating with state boards of education. 

State Budget Trends & Working Effectively with State Budget Officials 
Discover practical approaches for working effectively with state budget officials to secure funding for educational initiatives. 

Panel Discussion of Advocacy Success Stories 
A diverse panel of education stakeholders will share the strategies and tactics used to advance successful advocacy campaigns at the local and state levels from their various perspectives as lobbyist, statewide association director, and superintendent/CEO. 
 

Mastering the Elevator Speech & Pivot 
This session offers a practical framework for crafting effective elevator pitches and in-meeting tools, empowering attendees to concisely present ideas to policymakers and key stakeholders while keeping conversations on task and relevant. 

Upon Registration

Add the $100 Pre-Conference under the "Additional Items" on the registration page. 

This week, the Biden Administration released its long-awaited final rule on Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming. The rule updates various aspects of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, but most notably, significantly increases compensation and benefits for staff in an effort to improve retention and recruitment for the program. Check it out on the AESA blog. 

Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by the Biden administration to partially curb injunctions that are blocking its new Title IX regulation in 26 states and at least some schools in every other state. In an unsigned opinion, the court said that the administration had failed to show that the bulk of the new regulation could be separated from three challenged provisions that newly define sex discrimination to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. EdWeek coverage here. 

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will be holding their National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security from September 25 - 26. Registration is currently open and there is no cost to attend. Registration and information can be found here. 

This article on The 74 analyses a new PDK poll about how Americans overwhelmingly agree that the next president should focus on two things: preparing students for careers and attracting top teachers who will stay in the profession. 

This EdWeek article analyzes the results of the Knight Foundation survey asking parents how they feel about book bans. As schools and libraries across the country face record-breaking attempts to remove books from shelves, most Americans are opposed to book restrictions in public schools, according to the survey.