Washington, DC - Today, the DC State Board of Education provided the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) with ten recommendations for changes to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) draft accountability plan. The SBOE thanks OSSE for their work over the past year in the development of a new statewide plan. These suggested improvements reflect the views of SBOE members after receiving input through its community meeting series, presentations and discussions with PTA and Ward Education groups, experts, teachers, parents, school leaders and numerous direct conversations with residents.
The full recommendations can be read on our website. They reflect the consensus of the SBOE that the weight of test scores should be reduced and additional non-testing measures that encourage a well-rounded education be added. Additionally, they also recommend the establishment of task forces on School Climate/Well-Rounded Education and High School Growth Measures. These task forces would provide recommendations to SBOE and OSSE for inclusion in the accountability plan by April 2018. Further recommendations relate to the use of PARCC with English Language Learners. Finally, the SBOE agrees with OSSE that the accountability system be reviewed regularly to ensure that the system is providing the information our residents need. SBOE is recommending that that process be done jointly between OSSE and SBOE.
The SBOE will hold its monthly public meeting on March 15, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Council Chambers at 441 4th Street NW. The State Board will continue its diligent work related to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). At this meeting, the SBOE needs to hear feedback from District residents on the final accountability plan that will be released in the coming weeks to the public by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Please register here to testify at this month’s SBOE Public meeting about the accountability plan. Each resident will have three minutes to provide their input and recommendations. For more information about ESSA, please visit sboe.dc.gov/essa and osse.dc.gov/essa.
The State Board of Education provides policy leadership, support, advocacy, and oversight of public education to ensure that every student is valued and learns the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed, competent, and contributing global citizens. More information about the SBOE can be found at sboe.dc.gov.