Life under ESSA
"With great power comes great responsibility" ~ Spiderman movie
"Be careful what you wish for..." ~ Kris' mom
ESSA: Accountability, Assessments, Turnarounds, Teachers
ACCOUNTABILITY
Under NCLB was largely based on the single summative test, Key requirements: disaggregated by school, by sub group
New legislation:
- set long-term goals
- Each state targets sets its own goals
- Feds are not in any way halting its commitment for all kids, but is now saying that it's up to states to make it happen
What do people [in MA] value?
What's important?
How can we use that accountability system to move kids THERE? - ->THEN, develop metrics. DON'T RUSH.
You can make change fast - or you can make change last
ASSESSMENT
ESSA was a compromise bill
Every kid, every year, by subgroup - - IMP for civil rights groups
Summative tests are but one part of assessment system
SBE has the opp to shape that system
Who has the authority over state assessments: in 37 states, it's the SBE; in 45 states SBE sets standards
Opt out - suggests SAT is already developed and parents haven't opted their kids out of that test
- Eliminate duplicative testing
- Computer adaptive tests
- Could institute a cap limiting time on tests - - some of the best assessments are what involve kids in doing things
ESSA has established a pilot program in 7 states for complete revamping of assessments: NH has been at it for 5 years; it's long and arduous work (they are no where near done); hold the line firmly on equity and rigor; state does not believe their criteria is rigorous enough
Suggests NASBE here to help all SBEs
TURN AROUNDS
If we're honest, we know there are a small number of schools that need help to turn around on drop-outs, underachieving
Under ESSA: you still have to intervene for bottom 5%, drop outs, under-achieving...
ESSA says you have to work with districts then monitor what's going on
Create a schedule, create a plan, set aside $$
Think about the skills those schools , T, Principals will need
TEACHERS & EDU WORKFORCE
ESSA will allow states to play a much greater role in
HQ entrance and Evidence-based PD
Elimination of "HQT" requirement - now, what makes a really, really good teacher...?
Think actively: the arts (real actors, dancers, musicians); and CTE
Reaffirm publicly to take advantage of everything under ESSA for equity & excellence
Power of Coalitions (for states) - NASBE replicating collaborative initiatives
Listening tour in KS: "Kansas Can" - convened public hearings across the state; resulted in creating a VISION for schools & kids; coalition included Teachers Union, Chamber of Commerce, & Governor