Washington, D.C. – *Update* The May 22 National Title II-A Day of Action successfully activated educators from around the U.S. to send messages en masse to their Congress members urging their support for an increase in funding for Title II-A. The educators’ ask to Congress: $2.4 billion for Title II-A in FY 2025. Yesterday’s effort was a strong demonstration of support for public school teachers and their students, said Melinda George, Learning Forward’s Chief Policy Officer.
Learning Forward joined with other national K-12 school groups to catalyze outreach to Capitol Hill about the importance of funding Title II, Part A, the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Federal Title II-A funding is a catalyst for improving student outcomes through educator recruitment, retention, and professional learning. Learning Forward and Title II-A allies including National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, AFSA, and New Leaders, invited thousands of their members and stakeholders to participate through several “contact Congress” campaigns.
This effort represents a follow-up to this group leading a May 7 letter to Congress, which was signed by more than 100 national, state, and local organizations in support of a Title II-A increase. It is also part of Learning Forward’s continuing efforts in 2024 to educate the federal government about Title II-A’s value, which have included a briefing to the U.S. Department of Education and a widely attended webinar.
George said the Title II-A Day of Action was designed to “take advocacy to the next level by joining as a collective on May 22 to make sure Congress hears the voices of educators across the nation as they advocate for critical financial support that benefits teachers and students.” And, as Congress moves through fiscal year 2025 appropriations activities, Learning Forward will ramp up its work in support of Title II-A, she said.
Congress maintained level funding for Title II-A in fiscal year 2024, and George credited the advocacy educators did last year as being vital to achieving level funding. This year is a different story. “Title II-A needs and deserves a 10% increase in fiscal year 2025 to be able to respond to what’s needed by schools to continue to address unfinished learning and student achievement,” she said. She encourages educators to visit Learning Forward’s action center and continue to send messages of support to Capitol Hill.
Title II-A dollars are needed to rebuild the nation’s pipeline of educators, especially recruiting and retaining teachers new to the field. “Increased investment in Title II-A is a strong signal to people considering the teaching profession to come join us – you will be supported,” George said.
Title II-A needs and deserves a 10% increase in fiscal year 2025 to be able to respond to what’s needed by schools to continue to address unfinished learning and student achievement. Share on XWhat is Title II-A?
Title II, Part A, the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program of ESSA, is the most significant source of federal funding to support professional learning for educators and leaders at the school, district, and state levels in activities such as instructional coaching, mentoring, and collaborative planning time that studies have shown to make a difference for students.
- Research has shown that investments in educator professional learning improve student academic performance and reduce educator attrition rates. Well-prepared educators have a direct and positive impact on students.
- A recent US Department of Education study shows that districts and states are spending their Title II-A funds wisely. In 2021-22, between 1.9 and 2.8 million teachers (est.) participated in professional development funded by Title II-A, including meeting individual teacher or leader needs (81%) and induction or mentoring programs for new teachers and leaders (70%).
How to continue the momentum for Title II-A throughout FY 2025 budget season
Contact Congress campaigns: NASSP | NAESP | Learning Forward
Learning Forward Day of Action resources
NAESP social media toolkit and blog post
FY2025 Title II sign-on letter blog posts: NASSP | NAESP
Powered By Title II resources
Media contact: Gail Paul, gail.paul@learningforward.org
Contact Learning Forward to learn more or schedule an interview with Melinda George, Chief Policy Officer. Email: melinda.george@learningforward.org.
