October 15, 2024

Last week, AESA Executive Council member Jan Webster, from the Western Region Education Service Alliance in Asheville, NC, shared an update on the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene and its impact on schools in her region. She mentioned that numerous AESA members and sponsors have reached out to offer support. "Monetary donations are currently the greatest need," Jan said. "We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across the country."

Donations are still being accepted for The WNC Schools Helene Recovery Fund, an important initiative aimed at helping schools in Western North Carolina recover from the storm’s devastation. The fund will assist with challenges like loss of housing, supplies, technology, and damage to school facilities caused by the storm's winds and flooding. Both company and individual donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.

A special shoutout to AESA member Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) for their extraordinary dedication. KEDC traveled to North Carolina to assist communities impacted by the hurricane, demonstrating the power of educational service agencies coming together in times of need.

AESA is proud to see its members stepping up to support one another and the communities they serve during challenging times.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Education, with input from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, released a resource guide to help schools and libraries evaluate their cybersecurity risks and identify the most impactful cybersecurity solutions. The guide can also help schools and libraries as they complete applications for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program and serve broadly as a resource for schools and libraries as they take steps to better protect their networks. 

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule creating the first-ever national requirement to test for lead in schools that rely on water from public utilities. The regulation, called the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, mandates that water systems screen all elementary and childcare facilities, where those who are the most vulnerable to lead’s effects — young children — are enrolled, and that they offer testing to middle and high schools.

UndauntedK12, a friend of AESA, provided us a guest post about how districts can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act funding for healthy and efficient learning environments for students.

The National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for The Nation's Report Card, is accepting applications and nominations for five Governing Board positions:

• Elementary School Principal
• General Public Representative
• Governor – Democrat
• Governor – Republican
• Testing and Measurement Expert 

Each board seat is designated to be filled by a leader with unique expertise and perspective — and a deep commitment to improving student achievement for all. Nominate yourself or someone else today! Nominations will be accepted through November 1.

This EducationNext article offers an overview of academic cheating, explores why students cheat, the various methods they use—including new AI tools—and offers recommendations on how schools can address the issue.

In this transcribed interview, Frederick Hess interviews Lindsey Burke, the lead author for the education section of Project 2025. The interview covers both the substance of the policy proposals and some reflections and reactions on how Project 2025 has been covered and received within the context of the presidential election.

Please join us in welcoming the Will County Regional Office of Education, based in Joliet, IL, as a new member of AESA. Under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff, Regional Superintendent, we are excited to have them as part of our growing network and look forward to collaborating on future initiatives!

The National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB) offers a valuable Teaching Children Who Are Deafblind module series for educators and service providers. These modules provide practical strategies to improve understanding of deafblindness and are designed for immediate application in classrooms or home settings.

Deafblindness, a complex disability involving varying degrees of hearing and vision loss, presents unique challenges for families and schools. To support those serving these students, the NCDB offers a wealth of resources, including guidance on identification, professional development, effective teaching practices, and transition planning.