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January 2025 State Examiner Available
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The January 2025 State Examiner analyzes Governors’ State of the State Addresses nationwide. These speeches serve as key moments for governors to outline their vision, priorities, and policy agenda, often followed by executive budget proposals to drive implementation.
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LAST CALL: Apply to Be a Lead Trainer for AI in K-12!
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This is the last opportunity to apply for the Lead Trainer role in the AI Implementation initiative, led by CoSN and AESA in partnership with SETDA and AASA. We are seeking 10-20 Lead Trainers to facilitate train-the-trainer sessions, supporting school districts in developing strategic AI roadmaps.
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET
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Empower, Connect, and Grow at Annual Women’s Leadership Network Gathering
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We hope all women leaders in our membership will join us for the Annual Women’s Leadership Network Gathering! Whether you’re a current member or new to this space, this event is designed to connect, empower, and inspire women across the ESA community. Encourage a colleague to join—it's a great opportunity for emerging and experienced leaders alike to develop skills, build confidence, and grow within a supportive network.
Dates: March 4-5, 2025
Location: Thompson Palm Springs
Address: 414 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
A room block has been reserved at the Thompson Palm Springs, but reservations must be made by February 14, 2025 (please note the new deadline). Participants get a link to make a reservation after they register.
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Two Education-Related Executive Orders Issued
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Last week, President Trump issued two executive orders related to K-12 education. The first order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” would prohibit federal funding for schools that teach “gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.” The second order titled “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families” would direct the Education Secretary to issue guidance regarding how states can use federal formula funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives as well as prioritize educational freedom in the awarding of competitive grants. Read more about these orders.
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UPDATED: Federal Funding Freeze and Potential Impacts
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Last Tuesday, the White House budget office announced a federal funding freeze via a memo from the Office of Management and Budget. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the funding freeze. The administrative stay will be in place until February 3. The White House then rescinded the memo. Read more for information and the background.
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FAQ Immigration and Enforcement Policy in 2025
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The Trump administration signaled rescission of a 2021 memo by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that designated schools, as well as other community services, as “protected areas.” Find FAQs on what this means for the education community.
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Supreme Court to Hear Case on LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum Opt-Outs
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The Supreme Court announced it will hear a case brought against the Consortium’s own Montgomery County Public Schools that will weigh in on the balance between a school district’s management of curriculum that touches on topics like gender and sexuality and parents’ religious rights under the First Amendment.
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Supreme Court to Hear Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case
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The Supreme Court also announced it would review two appeals related to Oklahoma’s attempt to establish a state-funded Catholic virtual charter school, bringing into focus the extent to which public education funds may (or must) be made available to private religious institutions.
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USED Rescinds Biden Administration Book Ban Guidance
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USED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has rescinded all guidance suggesting that school districts could violate civil rights laws by implementing book bans, asserting instead that decisions about removing age-inappropriate books should be made by parents and communities. The Office for Civil Rights also dismissed eleven related complaints and eliminated the position of book ban coordinator.
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The FTC finalized a rule expanding the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule to require parental opt-in for third-party advertising on behalf of children, while excluding a provision that would have allowed school districts to authorize ed tech providers to collect, use, and disclose students’ data solely for school purposes, though USED has announced plans to propose a rule addressing this provision in March. Read last week's guest post about this issue.
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ESA Podcast of the Week: LTC’s One-to-One
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We're excited to introduce a new feature in the Online News—our ESA Podcast of the Week! Each week, we'll spotlight a podcast that highlights the voices and insights of our members. Check out AESA’s curated list of ESA podcasts! Is yours missing? Contact Claire Sowder to add it.
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Kicking off this series is Learning Technology Center’s One-to-One podcast.
Join edtech leaders, innovators, and K-12 educators as they explore how technology can transform learning. More than just apps and devices, this podcast highlights real stories from those shaping edtech in Illinois and beyond.
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Have we missed one of your ESA’s stories? Send submissions to csowder@aesa.us to be included in future editions of Online News.
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Live Discussion with AESA Business Partner
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Join AESA business partner Universal Benefits Consortium (UBC) for a live session on customizable medical solutions that help service agencies and school districts save costs and generate new revenue.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
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