The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has partnered with Mappedin to develop a suite of new AI-powered tools aimed at automating the mapping process. Such tools include Mappedin Response, a cloud-based capability that enables first responders to review and analyze indoor floor plans in real-time while responding to emergencies. In addition,…
On September 21, 2023 a bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House that would encourage schools and their community partners to teach students about the dangers of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. The Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act would also create a federal task force…
As time continues to run out on approving a FY 2024 funding bill, a September 5, 2023 letter to all congressional leaders and members sent by The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) cautions lawmakers about the adverse effects of passing a Republican proposal to cut 80% of Title I money. The letter, signed by 45 education…
Although IDEA requires schools to inform parents of their right to invite others at special ed. meetings on their behalf, if enacted H.R. 4259 would help to make sure they know of this right, since schools would be required to notify parents of students with disabilities that they can invite…
As states and school districts prepare to make final decisions on spending the last and largest allocation of COVID-19 relief money, on September 18, 2022 the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) sent a letter to state education agencies (SEAs) with details on American Rescue Plan (ARP) spending extension requests. According…
As has been a much-anticipated development across the nation, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) continues to delay its release of revised Section 504 regulations. It is hoped that such revisions will clarify how student accommodations under Section 504 align or depart from the rights of students with disabilities under…
50 years after its being enacted, significant updates are being made to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to advance equity and bolster protections for people with disabilities. In fact, on September 7, 2023 the Biden-Harris Administration took further action on its commitment to promote access to health care and…
According to analyses by the White House Council of Economic Advisers in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), broad increases in chronic absenteeism between the 2018-19 and 2021-22 school years may have significantly contributed to declines in post-pandemic test scores, particularly the National…
Last fall, NAPSA joined 41 other national organizations in signing on to a letter supporting the EDUCATORS for America Act (S 3360/HR 6205), which would invest in and revitalize federal educator preparation programs. It was sent to all members of the US Congress. The letter states that there were an…
Proposed US Department of Education (USDE) Section 504 rule updates aimed at addressing barriers for students with disabilities, fix outdated language, and align with civil rights laws will almost surely not make a revised October deadline. To date, The USDE has yet to send its regulatory plans to the Office of Management and Budget, which…
