ESSA Regulations, Deadlines Now Set for Accountability, State Plans
At the end of November, the U.S. Department of Education released its final rule for regulations on accountability, state plans, and data reporting for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Critical for educator preparation is the deadline set for states to submit their consolidated state plans (which includes requirements for Title II funds). States can submit their consolidated state plans by either April 3 or September 18, 2017.
The consolidated state plan is required to be created in consultation with key stakeholders. While educator preparation is not listed as a required stakeholder, institutions of higher education are required at the table. As your state works to develop its plan, this is an excellent opportunity to engage and make your voice heard!
Why Be at the Table?
The consolidated state plan requires that the state describe its strategies to improve educator preparation programs. In addition, the state will describe key ways Title II-A funds will be used to implement state strategies around educator effectiveness and student achievement, as well as providing low-income and minority students with access to effective educators. In addition, key definitions will be determined for the state and reported in the consolidated state plan, including ineffective teacher, out-of-field teacher, and inexperienced teacher (as well as definitions for low-income student and minority student).
This is your chance to propose your innovative ideas in creative partnerships with PK-12 to strengthen educator preparation in your state or region.
The following resources may be of use:
- AACTE State Policy Maker Contact Lists (AACTE member login required)
- AACTE Elementary and Secondary Education Act Resource Page (includes links to the law and the document of allowable uses of funds for Title II-A; some resources require AACTE member login)
- Final Rule from the Federal Register
- U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet on this ESSA rule
- U.S. Department of Education Template for Consolidated State Plan
- U.S. Department of Education Letter to Chief State School Officers on the Final Rule
Tags: advocacy, federal issues, state policy
