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Today, I am joining dozens of state
superintendents from around the nation calling on Congress to
undertake the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind and, if they
are unable to reform NCLB, allow states to implement new
accountability systems that better reflect student growth. It has
been four years since NCLB expired and substantial changes are
needed.
Like many of you, I have concerns about the existing accountability
system and the need to develop a next generation of accountability
systems that are more realistic, focusing on student growth and
improved achievement, rather than punitive measures that can stifle
student progress. Through the Council of Chief State School Officers
Next-Generation State Accountability Taskforce we have developed
principles for state-led accountability systems that include:
- Alignment of performance goals to college
and careers standards
- Annual determinations for each school and
district
- Focus on student outcomes
- Continued commitment to disaggregation of
data
- Reporting of timely, actionable and
accessible data
- Deeper diagnostic reviews
- Building school and district capacity
- Targeting lowest performing schools
- Innovation, evaluation and continuous
improvement
CCSSO is convening a consortium of states,
national and local leaders and stakeholders to develop college and
career-ready accountability systems. Forty participants have already
joined this Multistate Consortium on College and Career-Ready
Accountability Systems, and Secretary Duncan has signaled his intent
to explore additional flexibilities under the law to drive student
growth. It is our hope, that should Congress fall short in its
attempt to rewrite NCLB, that we will be able to work with U.S.
Department of Education on implementing new, state specific
accountability systems.
I truly believe that the progress we have made implementing major
reforms, including the new Illinois learning standards based on the
Common Core, the Performance Evaluation Reform Act and Senate Bill
7, places Illinois in a prime position for receiving flexibility und
er current law should it become necessary.
Have a great week!
Chris
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