For Immediate Release: November 28, 2016

Contact: Renee Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841

NASBE Issues Statement on Final ESSA Accountability Regulations

Alexandria, VA – Kristen Amundson, president/CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), issued this statement on the final accountability regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) released today:

“NASBE appreciates the US Department of Education’s willingness to work with states on developing these new accountability regulations. States are strongly committed to developing and implementing accountability systems that will ensure the success of every child. We note several examples of the department’s willingness to work with states.

Because of the time required for meaningful stakeholder engagement and a thoughtful development of the most appropriate accountability indicators, NASBE had urged the department to delay implementation of the regulations. We are pleased to see that the department will give states additional time.

NASBE had also asked for additional state flexibility in implementing accountability systems. We commend the department for providing this flexibility, including honoring ESSA’s deference to states with regard to the law’s 95 percent test participation requirement.

Finally, state boards of education are committed to ensuring that stakeholder accountability does not end when state plans are filed. We support the regulations’ emphasis on continued engagement with all stakeholders as the plan is implemented.

We look forward to working with the Obama administration and the next administration in ESSA’s successful implementation.”

The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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