The Education Trust–New York statement on NYSED waivers related to state assessments and accountability

Jan 25, 2021 | Press Release

The following statement can be attributed to Dia Bryant, interim executive director of The Education Trust–New York:

“We appreciate that the State Education Department recognizes the disproportionate reliance on remote learning for students who were underserved even before the pandemic and how the significant inconsistencies in access to resources during the ongoing crisis have exacerbated pre-existing inequities in our school system. That is why it is crucial that as New York policymakers seek a waiver from federal testing requirements, any additional flexibility be accompanied by a commitment to identifying clear guidelines that districts should follow for addressing unfinished instruction – including how learning throughout the pandemic will be measured, whether students are meeting grade-level state learning standards, and what strategies districts will adopt to close widening equity gaps – and making this data transparent so that it can be used to ensure resources are directed to supporting students most in need – both academically and social emotionally. It is also vital that parents, families, and other stakeholders be involved in both the public comment phase and the process of developing plans for ensuring all students receive the resources and support they need.”