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Advocacy
As the national voice of every state education leader, we advocate for the development and implementation of effective policies and practices that represent the shared interests of every state and every child. We provide timely, concise information on policy action and pressing issues to our members. Our thoughtful analysis provides the implications and opportunities that federal education policies have for states, so our members can make the best decisions for students.
Advocacy and Coronavirus
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, states have been working under unprecedented conditions to ensure the health and safety of all students and school staff while also providing high-quality educational opportunities. CCSSO continues to advocate on behalf of states to ensure federal resources and support are aligned with states’ needs during this pandemic.
Key Advocacy Activties
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CCSSO Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos regarding U.S. Department of Education's Guidance on Equitable Services (May 5, 2020)
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Secretary Betsy DeVos’s response to CCSSO letter on Equitable Services (May 22, 2020)
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Letter to Congressional Leaders from CCSSO and other leading education advocacy groups on Equitable Services (June 4, 2020)
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Letter to Senate HELP Committee estimating costs for safely reopening schools (June 24, 2020)
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CCSSO and NASBE letter to congressional leaders on HEALS Act (July 31, 2020)
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CCSSO public comments on Equitable Services interim final rule (July 31, 2020)
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CCSSO and over 30 national organizations set a letter to Congress in support of extending child nutrition waivers through the 2020-21 school year (August 19, 2020)
CCSSO Advocacy in Action
CCSSO supports chiefs in advocating on behalf of the students in their states, both directly and through collective action.
In 2015, state chiefs came together to establish these key principles for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Every Student Succeeds Act
We strongly support the Every Student Succeeds Act, a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) creates a long-term stable federal policy that gives states additional flexibility and encourages states and schools to innovate, while at the same time holding us accountable for results.
We support all states as they move forward in implementing ESSA. Our support includes:
- Providing tools and resources so states can learn more about the new law and how it will directly impact students
- Hosting a series of webinars and in-person meetings to provide states with one-on-one support as they plan for changes at the state and local level
- Providing comprehensive supports throughout the transition period as states develop implementation strategies and new state plans under the new law
Please click on any of the content areas below for more information:
Stakeholder Engagement
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) offers states an incredible opportunity to work with stakeholders to develop or refine a strategic vision for education. We have supported states in their efforts to engage all stakeholders in the development and transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act. We have made available a suite of tools, resources and templates, created in collaboration with other organizations.
Federal Funds and Fiscal Transparency
Implementing ESSA to Promote Fiscal Equity and Maximize Effectiveness
ESSA, like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) before it, provides school districts with extra money to improve school and student outcomes. States play a significant role in shaping how districts and schools spend federal funds.
States, school districts and schools that understand the full potential of federal formula grant programs can leverage significant resources to support their educational goals. We are working with states to drive more effective and equitable spending policies.