Washington state is making progress on an accountability plan for the success of all students
OLYMPIA — APRIL 12, 2017 — Three workgroups – two that are reconvening and one that is new – are playing a key role in writing and developing Washington state’s education plan to the federal government.
On Jan. 10, Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced that he would submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 18, 2017, the second of two options provided to states.
“Submitting our plan in September allows for continued engagement on some of the remaining issues and provides us the opportunity to align our final plan with outcomes of our current legislative session,” Reykdal said. “At the end of the day, this is about ensuring every single student receives a high-quality education and closing opportunity gaps across the board.”
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which passed in December 2015, requires every state to submit a Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Education. In part, Washington’s Plan details how school and district success will be measured and accounted for, as well as how the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will support success.
An accountability framework was developed in 2016 using input and recommendations from the ESSA Accountability System Workgroup (ASW). Reykdal reconvened the ASW to continue its review of some requirements in the Accountability, Support, and Improvement section of the Consolidated Plan.
In addition to reconvening the ASW, Reykdal has created a new Accountability Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC will analyze state assessment and accountability data and research-based best practices to provide recommendations or options to the ASW based on the analysis. The ASW can then make recommendations to Superintendent Reykdal.
OSPI will continue to collaborate with the State Board of Education to produce one statewide accountability framework. Also, to continue building foundations for data-informed decision-making, OSPI will align the ESSA indicators and other performance indicators to ensure a high-quality system of accountability for our schools.
“ESSA ushers in an opportunity to look at how we are supporting the needs of all students in all schools in Washington state,” said Deputy Superintendent Michaela Miller, who is leading the ESSA work. “OSPI is looking forward to developing a continuum of support that elevates a focus on equity, closing opportunity gaps, and continuous growth and improvement.”
Reykdal is also reconvening the ESSA Federal Programs Team. This workgroup will continue to:
- align all ESEA/ESSA programs with the goal of supporting students in mastering the knowledge and skills necessary for success in career, college, and life;
- encourage greater coordination, planning, and service delivery among programs; and
- enhance the integration of programs under this ESEA/ESSA with state and local programs.
Timeline for completion of Washington’s ESSA Consolidated Plan
New ESSA Resources
OSPI has reorganized the ESSA webpage as we move into the next phase of planning. The information is organized onto three pages:
Contact
Nathan Olson
Director of Communications
About OSPI
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K–12 education in Washington state. Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.
OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at 360-725-6162 or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200.