Minnesota Submits its Replacement for No Child Left Behind
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) -The State of Minnesota has officially submitted the state’s plan for meeting the requirement of the new federal law that replaced the No Child Left Behind law. The Minnesota Department of Education says the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan was developed over the past 21 months with input from thousands of citizens that was gathered at 300 public meetings.
Education Commissioner Brenda Casselius says Minnesota’s ESSA plan emphasizes family and community engagement and outlines a process for creating a cohesive statewide approach to support English learners. The accountability piece of the new plan will hold school districts responsible for the achievement of students by race, socio-economic status, and disability. The plan also requires school districts to monitor expulsion and suspensions while implementing strategies for addressing disparities and attendance rates.
“Creating a world-class education system doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it requires all hands on deck,” said Cassellius. “I want to thank the teachers, school leaders, and community members who contributed to shaping this plan. Together, we have created a roadmap that will lead us to better outcomes and opportunities for every child in Minnesota.”
The U.S. Department of Education now has 120 days to respond to Minnesota’s plan before the final steps for implementation get underway.