Dear Colleague,
Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) published Final Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Frequently Asked Questions – Nonregulatory Guidance. The guidance replaces the draft public comment version of guidance published in November 2022. The Department appreciates the public comment received, which informed clarifying edits throughout the guidance.
The Department encourages States to utilize the final guidance in continuing to implement Stronger Connections competitions that reflect parent, educator, and community feedback and emphasize evidence-based practices in establishing safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments. The Department recently released Guiding Principles for Creating Safe, Inclusive, Supportive, and Fair School Climates, which provides additional guidance for achieving these goals.
The Department will conduct additional, direct outreach to State Title IV-A/Stronger Connections Grant Coordinators to promote effective implementation of the final guidance.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this work.
Best,
Office of Communications and Outreach
