HELENA – After years of operating under an outdated and restrictive education law, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau is pleased the federal government has approved the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which reauthorizes the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
“For the first time in more than a decade, Montana educators will have a seat at the table in developing an education accountability and achievement model that will work for Montana students,” Superintendent Juneau said. “Now the real work begins as we build upon the programs and ideas that have resulted in Montana’s highest-ever graduation rate.”
Every Student Succeeds replaces the failed No Child Left Behind Act that judged the effectiveness of schools and success of children on one test score. The new law places a stronger emphasis on child wellbeing, and recognizes that one high-stakes test isn’t a reasonable way to measure student performance.
Over the next 18 months, the Office of Public Instruction will work with education leaders across Montana to develop an accountability plan that focuses on measuring student and school success across a broad spectrum of indicators.
Every Student Succeeds will
Eliminate the federally-mandated school-grading system known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and will allow states to develop their own accountability measures.
Give states flexibility when it comes to assessment, while still requiring an annual assessment in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
Include ongoing support for the Preschool Development Grant, giving more children access to free, quality preschool.
Integrate School Improvement Grant funding under Title I, giving states the same amount of annual funding, with greater flexibility on how to use the money.
Include a literacy program that will build on the success Montana’s Striving Readers program has developed.
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