AdvancED Supports the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015
ALPHARETTA, GA. (PRWEB) April 29, 2015 -- The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides the opportunity to move forward from past missteps as well as listen and incorporate the thoughts of key stakeholders—educators and parents—who work in various capacities every day to ensure that all learners are able to realize their full potential. AdvancED, the world's largest education community stands in support of the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015 and the reauthorization of ESEA.
“While AdvancED supports the reauthorization, we hope that Congress keeps a few key thoughts in mind as the bill continues its journey through the legislative process,” said Mark A. Elgart, Ed.D., president and CEO of AdvancED. "After reviewing the legislation, we see opportunity for further development as it relates to the vision, accountability, continuous improvement and a shift in the investment strategy.”
The key thoughts include:
• Begin with the end in mind. Every state, school system and school must have a compelling, clear and focused vision of expectations for every educator and every student. The bill must ensure that an aligned, coherent system of education must be established that is nurtured, invested in and monitored.
• Provide states responsibility and authority, but with accountability. Every state must produce evidence that its system is improving over time. The accountability systems that states design must measure and monitor the following areas through multiple sources: student achievement; institutional effectiveness; and educator quality. However, the state, not the federal government, should design and monitor the accountability system. It also is critical that such systems ensure transparency of results and focus on ensuring the equitable allocation of resources to serve and support learners with the greatest needs.
• Focus on continuous improvement. Given that the student population is in constant flux, rather than setting unrealistic fixed goals, the system should pursue results with the long-term in mind. States, districts and schools must be accountable for every student, without exception. However, institutions need the freedom to seek root causes of underperformance; to allocate resources; and to design and target interventions.
• Shift investment strategy. Today, most of the educational fiscal resources are spent on educating and graduating high school students. However, the best investment to ensure that every high school student graduates and is ready for college or career is in early education. A sustainable investment that provides every child from birth to five access to an early education must be established; particularly for children from underserved and underprivileged environments.
AdvancED looks forward to the opportunity to assist policymakers and committee members in any necessary steps to ensure an appropriate balance as it pertains to the federal role in education.
For more information about AdvancED’s position on the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015 and reauthorization of ESEA, contact Blair Edwards, Director of Public Relations at 678.392.2285, ext.5713.
Blair A. Edwards, AdvancED, http://www.advanc-ed.org, +1 (678) 392-2285 Ext: 5713, [email protected]
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