BARR and the National Education Landscape Jon Terry Strategic Relationships Consultant

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Sets federal policy related to K-12 education. Generic name is Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Bi-partisan, signed into law December 10, 2015. Ends Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and forces states to create their own accountability and measurement systems that include nonacademic measures. States are now in control. No more asking U.S. Dept. of ED for waivers. Fewer ‘carrots’ in exchange for implementing tough reforms.

Fresh Thinking “The new, locally-driven approach reflects a significant opportunity for states to step back and [to] inventory what has really worked over the last decade.” BUT… "Any reasonable observer would be concerned about the capacity issues, given the enormity of the challenge.”

Flipping the Script ESSA embraces the philosophy that local district officials are in the best position to figure out what their schools need to do to improve. BUT… "School/districts are not often equipped to manage performance or drive for results while also effectively [managing] everyday challenges.”

State and District Dance "I think everybody is excited. There's a sense it's not going to be nearly as prescriptive.” BUT… “Districts are going to be reluctant to move forward until we have a better sense of where the state is willing to allow us to go.” States, meanwhile, are still sorting through exactly what their role will be when it comes to helping districts and schools pick improvement strategies.

Greater Ownership ESSA could give districts greater ownership over plans and a more tailored approach to school improvement. BUT… The best of plans won't make much difference if they aren't implemented with fidelity. “States and districts need to make sure that schools have the tools [they need] and continually monitor progress. If [the plan] is not working, something else has to happen.”

ESSA Timeline Schools: 2016-17 is transition year. States: Currently in process of conducting stakeholder engagement and drafting plans. Due in early 2017. Supposedly. Federal: Writing and issuing “guidance.” Completed by end of 2016. 2017-18 is when ESSA goes into effect and states must start identifying schools in need of comprehensive improvement (bottom 5%, low graduation rates).

Federal Action “Guidance” Title I Title II Evidence

Title I

Title II “Recommended Strategies”

Evidence “Strong, Moderate and Promising”

New State Accountability Plans “What’s measured gets treasured.” Elementary and middle schools must include academic measures and at least one nonacademic measure. High schools must include academic measures, graduation rate and at least one nonacademic measure. Nonacademic = School Quality or Student Success. Questions related to school quality measure: What will be measured? How will it be measured? How much will the measures count on accountability system? Low performing does not equal punishment.

BARR School Quality/Student Success Outcomes Graduation rates Freshman failure rates Enrollment in AP and IB College readiness Attendance, suspensions and behavior School climate and culture Substance abuse Social and emotional skills Student engagement and teacher engagement

OUT vs IN NCLB …. ESSA U.S. Dept of Education … State Dept. of Education State waivers… State plans Safe and Drug Free …. Student Support and Academic Enrichment Four turnaround models…. Evidence-based models Focus on math and reading … Focus on educational excellence Race to the Top… Race to the WWC website

Thank you!