EdTrust–NY releases statement in response to changes to ESSA regulations

Sep 14, 2018 | Statements

The following statement can be attributed to Ian Rosenblum, Executive Director of The Education Trust–New York:

“The proposed changes to the ESSA regulation continue to demonstrate the State Education Department’s commitment to an inclusive and collaborative public process. We are pleased to see several equity-focused amendments to the regulation, including stronger language on parent involvement and a clear commitment on when schools will begin to be held accountable for reducing suspensions.

The revised regulation also makes several changes regarding test participation in response to unstinting criticism from the opt-out lobby. Once again, the State Education Department appears to have worked hard to strike a reasonable balance on a difficult issue. As we evaluate the new language, we will remain focused on ensuring that there are protections in place to prevent schools from systemically excluding historically under-served groups of students from state assessments.

We share the State Education Department’s and Board of Regents’ belief that ESSA represents an opportunity for New York to advance an equity agenda on behalf of the state’s students, and we look forward to continuing to work towards this goal as ESSA is implemented.”