News Brief

02/06/13

Minnich: Update Our Education Legislation

Roll Call (02/06/13) Minnich, Chris

Chris Minnich, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers, says Congress needs to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act using state accountability systems developed as part of the No Child Left Behind waiver program as a basis. He notes that states have taken different approaches to accountability despite their shared goal of academic excellence for all students. Minnich cites the work Kentucky has done to use assessments to measure college and career readiness and New York's plan to link standards, accountability, and teacher evaluation systems to college and career readiness. However, he stresses the waivers are not a permanent solution. "State education chiefs believe that federal law needs to set high goals while allowing states the flexibility to determine how best to reach those goals," states Minnich. "States are not interested in backing away from accountability; however, it is critical that they have the opportunity to build on the work they have already started under their approved waivers or efforts and continue to develop structures that will drive their schools and districts to achieve at higher levels."

This news brief was summarized for Chiefline, CCSSO's weekly newsletter. Click here to receive Chiefline in your inbox weekly. Newsbrief Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC.