Senate Education Funding Misses the Mark for Digital Learning
SETDA Executive Director Dr. Tracy Weeks issued the following statement regarding the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval of the fiscal year 2018 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies spending bill:
“SETDA welcomes the Senate Appropriations Committee’s decision to increase funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program, but we remain frustrated by Congress’s failure to fully fund the program.” The Every Student Succeeds Act authorized the program at $1.6 billion for the next fiscal year to address an array of educational needs – including supporting the digital transition – but federal leaders have not followed through on that commitment.
“We encourage the Senate and House to work together to fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program at the levels intended by ESSA. Now more than ever, we need greater resources to equip students and teachers with the digital learning opportunities required to grow academically and succeed after high school. ”
The Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants, also known as Title IVa of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The SSAE Grant program focuses on Whole Child Education, Safe and Healthy Students, and the Effective Use of Technology.
By The Numbers:
ESSA Authorized Level: $1.65 Billion
FY17 Funding Level: $400 Million
FY18 Proposed Funding:
- President Trump: $0
- House: $500 Million
- Senate: $450 Million