Proposed Title II funding cuts hit at the heart of teaching and learning As noted on p. 10 in Tracy Crow’s column, President Trump’s budget proposal calls for the elimination of Title II funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These funds are used for professional learning needs across the country. Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward, issued the following statement in response to the budget proposal. By Stephanie Hirsh The research is clear — effective leadership and teaching are essential to more students achieving at higher levels. Therefore, eliminating federal funding that is directly tied to supporting educator effectiveness will be incredibly damaging to the real progress we’re seeing in schools across the country. I believe that, as a nation, we share