RRCNA Advocacy Update - May, 2009

Dear RRCNA Members:

As stimulus funding cascades into states and school districts, the FY2010 appropriations process is getting underway and a comprehensive literacy bill is in the works. Highlights include:

1. "Accessing Education Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)." The RRCNA April teleconference is now accessible from the website. Learn about new funding streams in the ARRA and specific ways that schools, districts and states can use them to sustain and enhance Reading Recovery.
    
2. Comprehensive literacy program bill under development. RRCNA is one of several literacy organizations helping to draft legislation for a pre-K – 12 literacy program. The bill is not yet introduced, but could address key RRCNA priorities such as 1) maintaining one-to-one instruction as an option for states and schools, 2) updating evidence requirements for instruction and professional development so they are scientifically valid, and 3) broadening representation on peer review and other literacy advisory bodies at national and state levels. RRCNA will keep you informed as the legislation develops.
    
3. President’s priorities for FY 2010 education budget. Detailed funding recommendations for Title I and other education programs could be unveiled as early as Thursday, May 7. RRCNA will monitor activity at the USDE, and members also can also watch for announcements.
    
4. Secretary’s “Listening and Learning Tour.” Education Secretary Arne Duncan will travel to Columbus, Ohio on May 8, 2009 and to 15 or more states in the coming months to solicit feedback from a broad group of stakeholders around federal education policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Other states may include Michigan; Vermont; California; Montana; Wyoming; New Jersey; Tennessee; North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Indiana; Florida; Utah; and Alaska. If you miss an event, the meetings will be taped and available online.
    
5. “Recommendations for Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),” a free webinar presented by the WestEd Regional Education Laboratory: Tuesday, May 28, 2009 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (EDT).
    
6. Capitol Hill visits – Make your voice heard in Washington June 10 – 13 during the Teacher Leader Institute and North American Leadership Academy. Registrants will have the opportunity to meet with the offices of their governors and U.S. Senators and Representatives.