UPDATE: The U.S. House of Representatives approved the final conference agreement to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which is now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act, on December 2. The Senate is now expected to take up the conference report on December 8, and it’s not too late to make your voice heard. Join other members by sending  a message to your senators before their expected Tuesday evening vote!

We are at a critical point in the legislative process. Now it is more important than ever that school leaders reach out to their members of Congress and urge them to vote on the final conference agreement to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which is now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and is currently facing a vote in the House. A vote in favor of this agreement will put an end to the test-and-punish policies and shift greater authority to the states to determine accountability systems that work better for schools. It will also bring greater attention to the role of principals and acknowledge how your vital role ensures that every child has a high quality educational experience.

You have the opportunity to reach out to your legislators right now by sending a message to Congress through the new joint NAESP and NASSP action center. The action center can be found on both associations’ websites and you will be able to access action alerts on either page. The joint Principal’s Legislative Action Center is reflective of the collaboration between NAESP and NASSP to advance education policy that reflects the interests of principals on behalf of all students. NAESP and NASSP have been working together closely on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act over the past several years, and are pleased to have come together for this final push to renew the Every Student Succeeds Act. 

Please take a moment to send your message of support to Congress now.