Posts By: Harry Shipps

Advancing Whole-Learner Approaches through the U.S. Department of Education

America Forward supports the confirmation of Dr. Miguel Cardona as the next U.S. Secretary of Education, and encourages him to prioritize whole-learner approaches.    The nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona to lead the U.S. Department of Education comes at a critical moment for America’s students, families, and educators. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened persistent and systemic opportunity gaps, and reinforced
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America Forward Weekly Tip Sheet: Policy and Advocacy (2/1)

Below is the latest America Forward “Tip Sheet,” a weekly update on Federal activity related to education, workforce development, and other priorities of the America Forward Coalition.   What’s Next in Washington  In Washington last week, discussions continued among lawmakers on the next steps for President Biden’s COVID-19 relief measure, the American Rescue Plan, which includes an additional $170 billion
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America Forward Statement on the “American Rescue Plan”

Below, please find a statement from America Forward on the "American Rescue Plan," introduced by President-elect Joe Biden. "The 'American Rescue Plan' outlined by President-elect Joe Biden last night would direct substantial and much-needed resources to help K-12 schools reopen, increase the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, expand access to high-quality child care, buoy small businesses, provide additional federal resources to
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America Forward Statement on Latest Round of COVID-19 Relief

Below, please find a statement from America Forward in response to Congress' approval of the latest round of COVID-19 relief: "The latest round of COVID-19 relief authorized by Congress represents a critical and long-overdue investment in students, workers, and community-based organizations across the country. By allocating billions in additional resources for early education, K-12, and higher education - along with
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Reimagining the Future: Convening a National Conversation about Whole-Learner Education

Yesterday, America Forward hosted the first in a series of conversations with policymakers and education leaders about the critical importance of whole-learner approaches to education. Moderated by America Forward Executive Director Deborah Smolover, and featuring Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Dr. Desmond K. Blackburn, CEO of America Forward Coalition member New Teacher Center, and Dr. Robert Jagers, Vice President of Research
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America Forward Awarded Major Grant from the LEGO Foundation to Support its “Advancing Whole-Learner Education” Initiative

Washington, D.C., October 15 - America Forward, New Profit’s nonpartisan policy initiative that unites social entrepreneurs with policymakers to advance innovative and effective solutions to our country’s most pressing social problems, today announced that it has been awarded a $3.9 million grant from the LEGO Foundation to support its “Advancing Whole Learner Education” initiative. Together with previous LEGO Foundation support
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AF Coalition Members Step Up During Crisis (Vol. 24)

Every week, America Forward is highlighting a few examples of the vital work being done by our Coalition members to support students, families, educators, workers, elected leaders, advocates, and communities across the country. If your organization has resources, an announcement, or a story that you would like to see included, please send it to america_forward@newprofit.org. Teach for America As schools
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AF Weekly Tip Sheet: Policy and Advocacy (9/28)

Below is the latest America Forward “Tip Sheet,” a weekly update on Federal activity related to education, workforce development, and other priorities of the America Forward Coalition.   What’s Next in Washington    Last week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the federal government through December 11. The Senate is expected to pass it
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Critical Time to Advocate for Key Priorities

This year, the normal cadence of congressional activity – like so many other things – has been profoundly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In many communities, the town halls, constituent meetings, and community events that would normally define congressional recesses have been replaced with Zoom meetings, conference calls, and socially distant gatherings. (Note: you can go to www.house.gov to connect
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AF Weekly Tip Sheet: Policy and Advocacy (8/25)

Below is the latest America Forward “Tip Sheet,” a weekly update on Federal activity related to education, workforce development, and other priorities of the America Forward Coalition.   Advancing Whole Learner Education   Last week, Arizona State Representative Jennifer Longdon (D-Phoenix) penned an op-ed in the Tucson Sun advocating to incorporate whole learner approaches to learning into fall plans, as
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