Title IV-A Coalition to Host Capitol Hill Press Event

On Thursday, September 14 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, the Title IV-A Coalition will host a special public policy briefing on the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

As a proud member of the Coalition, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is contributing by providing several speakers, including NAfME President (2016 – 2018), Denese Odegaard, who will participate on the “Well-Rounded Education” panel.

Moderated by Alyson Klein of Ed Week, we will explore the three areas that this new program supports: well-rounded education, safe and healthy schools, and technology. Experts, parents and practitioners will discuss how these programs and services in schools are essential to supporting the whole child and why funding the program at its authorized level is critical to its success.

What is Title IV-A?

The Title IV-A block grant, otherwise known as the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, is designed to ensure that high needs districts have access to:

Providing students access to a well-rounded education (e.g. music and arts),
Supporting safe and healthy students (e.g. comprehensive school mental health, drug and violence prevention, training on trauma-informed practices, health and physical education) and,
Supporting the effective use of technology (professional development, blended learning,
devices).

NAfME and the Title IV-A Coalition believes that if fully funded and administered the way Congress intended under ESSA, the SSAE grant program has the potential to adequately support school districts in their central mission of providing our students with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed.

How to Watch & Participate!

Our friends from SHAPE America will be livestreaming the event via Facebook Live. You will find access to their stream on their Facebook page promptly before 11:30 AM.

Can’t make it, but want to be involved? Check out NAfME’s Grassroots Action Center!

There you will find ways on how YOU can support music education in federal education policy and engage your members in Congress about the importance of Title IV-A, including tools to help you:

Send a Letter to your members of Congress!
Participate in our #MoreTitleIV social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter!

For more information about the Title IV-A Coalition, please visit NAfME’s public policy coalitions page. A special thanks to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and her staff for securing the event location for this important advocacy event.