On Tuesday, October 25, 2010, the Department of Education  and U.S. Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, took an unprecedented step forward on the issue of School Safety and specifically, on bullying and discriminatory harassment. 

The Department of Education issued guidance to support educators in combating bullying in schools by clarifying when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws and the schools' responsibility to intervene.

Secretary Duncan held a teleconference to discuss the implications of bullying as it may relate to civil rights discrimination.

More information on the press release and resources on Bullying and Harassment.

The lack of action on ESEA reauthorization this year has served to benefit PEP - the program will remain a stand-alone program for 2011, with funding similar to 2010 levels ($78-80 million). However, the Department of education is moving forward with its plans for states to apply for funding to conduct school climate surveys, part of the Administration's proposed Successful, Safe, and Healthy Students (SSHS) initiative, which effectively eliminates PEP.

Under this plan, 20 states (in the first year) would receive funding to conduct a school climate survey to determine areas of greatest need, which could include physical education. Local education agencies within each state would then compete for funding to address the identified needs. NASPE is leading a coalition of groups to preserve PEP as a stand-alone program.

From NASPE News & Bonnie's Fitware