National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)’s Post

When will IT END!! Students are so frustrated because they feel like no one is helping or listening. Schools feel like their hands are tied. Let’s add SAVE verification as another delay for Schools. While ISIRs continue to be verified with the DHS through the initial—or primary—match process, the secondary-match process with the DHS is not yet available for the 2024-25 application cycle. The Department anticipates that the DHS secondary match process will be available in the near future, and we will notify schools by posting additional updates to the Knowledge Center. Currently, schools are unable to view or resolve cases that are pending review under the secondary match process. Schools that attempt to resolve DHS match flags related to an applicant’s eligible noncitizen status on the ISIR via the SAVE system by searching for the applicant’s case will receive a “No Cases Found” message. Schools should refer to the DHS Match Statuses (Fields 557-558) on the student’s ISIR to determine if they must wait for a new system-generated ISIR before attempting to verify eligible noncitizen status in SAVE. It is so hard when you are used to having the answers and now you don't.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently ruled the current Universal Service Fund (USF) mechanism unconstitutional. Read Funds For Learning CEO John Harrington's statement below. “The E-rate and other USF-supported programs are mission-critical and play an essential role in the telecommunications ecosystem of the United States. In our annual survey of E-rate applicants, 95% of respondents indicated that E-rate funding is vital to their organization’s internet access. It’s clear there is broad support for USF programs, such as the E-rate, and the flow of support to USF beneficiaries is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. We will continue to advocate on behalf of the schools and libraries for reliable financial support to keep their students and patrons connected.” Read more about this decision: https://ow.ly/nwMg50SLawo. #Erate #USF #DigitalDivide #FCC

It seems to be the season of SEND reports again! In case you've missed the latest research and analysis publications related to SEND/AP, here are the links: 📰 Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman, 'Annual Review of Local Government Complaints' - features a review of complaints from 2023-24 related to SEND (their biggest casework area) https://lnkd.in/daVze3Ud 📰 ISOS Partnership commissioned by the Local Government Association, 'Developing and sustaining an effective local SEND system: a practical guide for councils and partners' - a somewhat controversial blueprint for a potential future SEND system https://lnkd.in/djycGadt 📰 Child of the North, 'An evidence-based plan for addressing the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) assessment and support crisis' - analysis and recommendations focused on the postcode lottery of EHCPs, national delays and poor early identification https://lnkd.in/eUcqQEhC

In December 2023, the Fawcett Society in the UK published a report examining five other countries and territories which have undergone significant reforms to their Early Years systems and considers them in relation to the system in England. The report explores market structures, the complex interactions between providers, regulators and service-users, and transformation. The questions which arise are – how best to plan for change, and how this change is implemented? https://loom.ly/M2xbfi4 #QualityForChildren #EarlyYearsPolicy #Education

Great advocacy work by NAIFA-WI results in shout-outs from the offices of Sen. Ballweg's and Rep. Dallmann’s offices as Gov. Evers signs the state financial literacy bill into law. #FinancialEducation #FinancialLiteracy #FinancialSecurity #NAIFAproud https://hubs.ly/Q02cyydC0

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a popular option among high-need schools due to the numerous benefits it provides students, schools, and communities. A school’s ability to implement community eligibility successfully — and maintain financial viability — typically improves when its federal reimbursement is higher. However, more and more schools are successfully implementing CEP at lower eligibility thresholds than ever before and, in 2023, USDA released a new rule lowering CEP eligibility even further. As more schools become eligible for CEP at lower thresholds, it is critical to understand the strategies school districts are implementing to make community eligibility a reality in their schools. Watch a FRAC webinar recording about ways to successfully implement CEP at lower eligibility levels. https://lnkd.in/eafv_nHF

The Power of Public Input in Shaping Regulations Public input is the backbone of the democratic regulatory process, ensuring government actions align with the interests and needs of the public. The VA and SBA recognized its pivotal role in shaping rules that impact VOSBs and SDVOSBs. They opened the door for feedback from veterans, advocacy groups, small business owners, and industry associations. This process allows for diverse perspectives, identifies potential issues, and empowers agencies to make informed decisions. In the case of VA and SBA Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) post-""Kingdomware,"" the public's extensive comments covered a wide range of crucial topics and concerns. Your voice matters! 📢 Let's continue to engage and shape a brighter future. #PublicInput #Regulations #CommunityEngagement #Government #VOSBs #SDVOSBs #KingdomwareDecision https://lnkd.in/gBsttmdZ

If you have grandchildren, a new change to the FAFSA federal aid application 📝 means your contribution to their education has a greater impact than ever before. 💪💰Find out the details in this week’s blog. Read it now. 💻 #estateplanning #estateplanninglawer #protectyourkids #scottsdale #trust #will #probate #trustadministration #buildyourlegacy #seniors #assetprotection #kidsprotectionplan #powerofattorney #healthcaredirective #longtermcareplanning #desmondlaw #azlegacylawyer

Our very own Emily Hollis MBE MUniv FCCT has written this brilliant piece about SEND reform, and what the upcoming general election might mean for it.   In the piece, she covers the challenges the sector is facing, with the number of EHCP plans soaring in the last 10 years and local authorities having varied approaches to them.   Emily then goes on to discuss the planned reforms for SEND, and the age-old question: 'will they actually work?', before diving into each of the political parties' stances on provision and asking if they will be able to solve the problems faced by the sector.   Check out the article here! https://lnkd.in/en2_QhX8

This #insightful piece highlights our very own resident SEND experts' opinion on the current SEND situation and the impact the General Election could have. Read the paper below on, Emily Hollis MBE MUniv FCCT's insights on the challenges and planned reforms for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and how these might be influenced by the upcoming general election. In it she discusses the soaring number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) over the last decade, varied local authority approaches, and the stances of different political parties on SEND provision. #SEND #SpecialEducationNeeds #Generalelection #Reform