The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the 60,000 elementary and middle-level principals we represent across the country are committed to ensuring students receive a quality public education.  Elementary and middle-level principals are the primary catalysts for creating a lasting foundation for learning, for driving school and student performance, and for shaping the long-term impact of school improvements efforts.  Regardless of a child’s socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, or geographic location, principals must address all the challenges facing today’s families and students. They are charged with the responsibility to lead learning communities that will help children succeed in the 21st Century.

The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) must now focus on meeting the needs of the whole child. Ignoring the outside influences America’s students face when coming to the classroom is a disservice to their potential.  We know that second only to teaching, the most effective means to improving student academic performance is strong school leadership.

General Principles for Reauthorization                                    Accountability
Addressing the Needs of the Lowest Performing Schools           Assessment
Supplementing the K-12 Education Program                             Helping Schools Succeed Special Education                                                                English Language Learners
Building and Supporting Powerful Principals                                                       
                        
View the entire report as a pdf.
Contact NAESP

To learn more about NAESP’s positions on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), or other issues, please contact our offices located in Alexandria, Virginia by dialing (703) 684-3345.
Government Relations Contacts:

Michael L. Schooley, Ed.D.
Deputy Executive Director
mschooley@naesp.org

Abbie Evans
Government Relations Specialist
aevans@naesp.org

About NAESP’s Recommendations for ESEA Reauthorization

This document represents the second edition of NAESP’s ESEA reauthorization recommendations.  The original recommendations were crafted in 2005 by a committee of active elementary and middle-level principals from across the country.  The committee reviewed current law and determined the proper role and best course of action for the federal law in its next iteration.  The second edition recommendations simply update the terminology and address current trends and priorities.

NAESP thanks the original committee’s work in developing these recommendations and the NAESP Board of Directors for reviewing and approving the changes made to this version.