Federal Updates
The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections. The program is intended to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services.
Other websites and resources:
United States Department of Education
ESSA
IDEA Legislation:
Chapter 33-Education of Individuals with Disabilities
Related Resources
AESA, joined by ten other education organizations, submitted comments to the Department of Homeland Security urging them to rescind the new public charge rule.
Read MoreOn December 9, the House passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the program for FY24-FY26. As a reminder, the program provides critical resources for counties and schools that are near National Forest Land and are unable to generate property tax revenue.
Read MoreFederal attention on children and technology has surged in recent weeks, with Congress and federal agencies advancing a wide range of proposals. The House Commerce Committee introduced 19 tech-related bills—several affecting schools—and described them as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect children online. However, House versions of COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act diverge sharply from their bipartisan Senate counterparts, introducing partisan elements, broad preemption of state laws, and weaker safeguards for children and teens. Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced a December 10 listening session on excessive screen time and signaled interest in linking federal broadband and technology funding to outcomes tied to children’s well-being, potentially affecting programs such as BEAD and E-Rate.
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