March 6-7, 2012 Waterfront Hotel - Morgantown, WV Federal Programs Spring Directors Conference Developing Federal Programs of Excellence

Overview Where Are We Headed? ESEA Flexibility Waiver Legislative Update

Where Are We Headed?

ESEA Flexibility WAIVER 6 States must take comprehensive actions To receive a waiver, states must: Adopt and implement college and career-ready standards and aligned assessments of knowledge and skills Design and implement a rigorous statewide accountability system Design, pilot, and implement, over a number of years, a system of teacher and leader evaluation based on student achievement

ESEA Flexibility Package Includes Several Elements 7 Proposals must provide commitments, plans, rationale, evidence, etc. on several issues in each area. 1. College and Career-Ready Standards and Assessments for All Students A.Adopt college and career-ready standards (Common Core) B.Transition Plan to college and career-ready standards C.Develop and administer annual, statewide, aligned assessments that measure student growth in knowledge and skills

ESEA Flexibility Package Includes Several Elements 8 Proposals must provide commitments, plans, rationale, evidence, etc. on several issues in each area. 3.Effective Instruction and Leadership through Educator Evaluation A.Develop/adopt guidelines for teacher & principal evaluation and support systems B.Ensure LEAs implement evaluation and support systems HB Expansion of current pilot Statewide implementation Evaluation and support systems

ESEA Flexibility Package Includes Several Elements 9 Proposals must provide commitments, plans, rationale, evidence, etc. on several issues in each area. 2. Differentiated Systems of Recognition, Accountability, and Support A.Develop and implement a state-based system of differentiated recognition, accountability, and support B.Set ambitious but achievable annual measurable objectives C.Identify Reward Schools (highest-performing) D.Identify Priority Schools (lowest-performing), E.Identify Focus Schools (achievement gaps/lowest- performing subgroups) F.Provide incentives and supports for other Title I schools

Unpacking ESEA Flexibility on Accountability and Consequences 10 To receive NCLB waivers, states must design and implement college and career ready accountability, with several broad requirements and many further opportunities for state leadership. Accountability Multiple measures for accountability Graduation rates (for high schools) High-quality assessments in at least reading/language arts and math The RLA and math assessments must be able to measure student growth. Each of these measures must be reported for all subgroups. Design the metrics for combining and weighing the multiple measures Set ambitious but achievable AMOs in at least reading and math (which can be based on 100% proficiency by 2020, closing the achievement gaps by half within six years, or another equally ambitious state plan). Note: States must also establish ELP standards aligned to college and career ready standards and commit to administer aligned ELP assessments.

State Plans May Waive Several Key NCLB Provisions 11 In exchange for this state leadership and innovation, states are able to receive flexibility through waivers of ten (or more) NCLB areas. Key waiver areas include: 1.Revise AYP and 2014 timeline for achieving 100% proficiency (section 111(b)(2)(E)); 2.Revise school and district improvement requirements (section 1116(b) and (c)), including SES, choice, corrective action, restructuring, etc.; and 3.Revise improvement plan requirements and Title I and Title II fund restrictions for districts that miss HQT requirements (section 1111(b)(8)(C)). 4.States also have the option of incorporating other waiver requests, expressly including flexibility on use of 21 st Century Learning Communities funds to support ELT as well as afterschool.

Timelines for ESEA Flexibility Proposals 12 States can apply for ESEA Flexibility on a rolling basis, with transition flexibility available. States should carefully consider when to apply based on needs and readiness. For states to receive flexibility by the end of the school year, they were required to submit a flexibility request during two application windows. First Deadline: November 14, 2011 with a December 2011 peer review Second Deadline: February 28, 2012 with a spring 2012 peer review

Timelines for ESEA Flexibility Proposals 13 States can apply for ESEA Flexibility on a rolling basis, with transition flexibility available. States should carefully consider when to apply based on needs and readiness. Date Activity Implication Feb Requested waiver to freeze AMAOs = cut scores for making AYP will remain the same as 2011 Sept 2012 Submit waiver request 10 ESEA requirements = applicable for the school year

Important Process Requirements Communicate Involve Stakeholders Revisions Peer Review

Questions & Comments? Thank You! Amelia Davis Courts