The Leading Edge: Policy & Advocacy Blog
The Leading Edge, AASA's policy & advocacy blog, provides up-to-date information about activities in Washington, D.C. and Capitol Hill that affect you and your school district.
Topics include new or proposed regulations and federal policies, federal funding updates and opportunities, advocacy resources and more.
Latest Posts
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January 19, 2022
Updated Guidance on Implementing ESEA Programs Without Complete NSLP Data -
January 18, 2022
It’s Easier Than You May Think to Use ESSER Money for Personnel -
January 18, 2022
New GAO Report Finds School Districts in Socially Vulnerable Communities Faced Heightened Challenges after Recent Natural Disasters -
January 18, 2022
A Note for Superintendents, From Secretary Cardona -
January 13, 2022
White House Announces Increased investment in COVID-19 Testing at K12 Schools -
January 11, 2022
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµReleases Survey Findings on School-Based Vaccination Clinics -
January 09, 2022
USDA Announces Adjustment to School Meal Reimbursement Rate -
January 06, 2022
ICYMI: COVID and Staying in School Manual -
January 05, 2022
USED Announces Joint Temporary Action with U.S. Department of Transportation to Help Address School Bus Driver Labor Shortage -
January 03, 2022
District Court Judge Blocks Head Start Vaccine Mandate in 24 States -
December 29, 2021
USDA Distributes $1.5 Billion to Strengthen School Meal Programs Amidst Supply Chain Disruptions -
December 29, 2021
USED Releases FAQ on 2021-2022 Accountability Systems -
December 20, 2021
Biden Administration Releases Resources on Test to Stay, Vaccines and Boosters -
December 16, 2021
Secretary Cardona Urges Educational Leaders to Use ARP Funds to Address Teacher Shortages -
December 16, 2021
Guest Blog Post: How School Districts Can Help Families Claim the Expanded Child Tax Credit

Latest Advocacy & Policy Resources
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November 20, 2025
PEP Talk Episode 42: Rethinking Special Education Dispute Resolution at IDEA’s 50th AnniversaryType:Podcast Topics: Access & Opportunity, Advocacy & Policy, District & School OperationsOn this episode of PEP Talk: Kat Sturdevant interviews two of the authors of AASA's new report Rethinking Special Education Dispute Resolution at IDEA’s 50th Anniversary. -
November 10, 2025
Rethinking Special Education Dispute Resolution at IDEA’s 50th AnniversaryType:Report Topics: Access & Opportunity, Advocacy & PolicyWhat began as a procedural safeguard to ensure fairness and accountability has, over time, evolved into an increasingly adversarial, inequitable, and financially unsustainable process—one that too often diverts resources from classrooms to courtrooms. -
November 01, 2025
Diplomacy Without Compromise: Advocacy in Public EducationType:Article Topics: Advocacy & PolicyA veteran superintendent reframes what it means to be both tactful and resolute when pressing for what’s important in schooling today.
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