States Leading the Way: New Accountability Models

& ESEA Reauthorization

Gene WilhoitSeptember 8, 2011

States have a unique and timely opportunity to assert responsibility and authority for improving student achievement.

These new models capitalize on recent state-led reforms to adopt accountability systems that better promote college- and career-readiness for all students and schools.

These models move beyond NCLB while building upon the positive aspects of NCLB accountability systems.

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Composed of bipartisan group of 20 state chiefs and SEA leaders. Rural and Urban states.

Over a year and half of robust meetings and discussions to develop a framework for next-generation state accountability systems.

Drew heavily upon states experiences in implementing accountability systems over the past two decades along with the knowledge of various experts and the latest research

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Statement of Principles and Processes

Roadmap for Next-Generation State Accountability Systems

Federal legislative language

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For each state to advance the goals of college- and career-readiness, we have to establish accountability systems that are consistent with several core principles:

Anchored in college- and career-readiness

Annual accountability determinations for all public schools and districts

Determinations focused on student academic outcomes (status & growth), including but not limited to improved state reading/math assessments and accurate graduation rates

Continued disaggregation of student data in order to address achievement gaps

Transparent reporting of information in a timely and actionable manner

Deeper analysis and diagnostic reviews of schools and districts to inform meaningful supports and interventions

Building capacity for significant and sustained improvement

Supports and interventions, including most significant targeted to the lowest-performing schools & districts

Continuous system evaluation, innovation, and improvement

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Implications for ESEA Reauthorization/NCLB Waivers

State are taking a leading role on accountability and must develop accountability models that move beyond NCLB and support continuous improvement.

State leadership will change the dynamic of the negotiations, rather than waiting for ED or Congressional Action

If ESEA is reauthorized soon, it should codify the Principles while providing maximum room for state flexibility and innovation, including continuous improvement

If ESEA reauthorization is delayed, states will notify the Secretary of Education of their intent to exercise waiver authority under NCLB Section 9401 to seek approval for state-based accountability systems consistent with these Principles

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NCLB Waivers

ESEA talks are moving forward, but are unlikely to result in rapid reauthorization, making NCLB waivers the most likely path to accountability system reform.

NCLB Section 9401 expressly creates broad authority for states to propose, and the Secretary to approve, policies that go beyond NCLB statutory requirements to support student achievement.

CCSSO's accountability work presents a state innovation model for waivers including development of state proposals, collaborative peer review, and Secretarial approval.

Discussion on specific approaches to this continue with CCSSO's advocacy team, and are making progress.

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