Murray, Stakeholders Meet to Discuss ESSA Implementation; Ensure New K-12 Law is On Track to Help All Students Succeed

During a hearing on the Every Student Succeeds Act, Murray reiterates need for strong federal guardrails, flexibility for states and school districts, & robust collaboration to ensure law “accomplishes the clear goals” laid out

Murray: “I’m glad we have another opportunity to continue our discussion on implementing this important new law...to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education”

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered opening remarks at a hearing with stakeholders to discuss ongoing implementation of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the nation’s new elementary and secondary education law. As the Department of Education and state governments redesign their accountability systems and policies to begin carrying out the new law, Senator Murray is closely reviewing draft regulations released by the Department in May on accountability, state plan, and reporting requirements.

In her remarks, Senator Murray highlighted progress by the Department in the law's implementation and committed to actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure their full participation. Senator Murray also made clear that “when necessary, [she] will continue raising concerns—and be pushing for more clarity—to ensure we maintain the focus on preparing all students” in Washington state and across the country for success in college and career.

ICYMI, click HERE to watch the full video of today’s hearing: “ESSA Implementation: Perspectives from Education Stakeholders on Proposed Regulations”

Key excerpts from Senator Murray’s remarks:

“As I’ve mentioned before in these hearings: we were deliberate in granting the Department the authority to actually implement the law, and to do so in a way that accomplishes the clear goals we laid out. And to me, one of the most important of those goals is to maintain strong federal guardrails to ensure the law is truly working for all students. Because we know what happens when we don’t have true accountability—and when our education laws aren’t working well. Inevitably, it’s the: kids from low-income neighborhoods, kids of color, kids with disabilities, and kids learning English who too often fall through the cracks. And that wouldn’t just be against the spirit of the law we passed—it would be against the letter of it too. And honestly, it would be an unacceptable outcome.”

“So, I am reviewing the regulations being released by the Department and taking a close look at the proposed parameters for: accountability systems, state plan requirements, and reporting requirements included in the draft. And, when necessary, I will continue raising concerns—and be pushing for more clarity—to ensure we maintain the focus on preparing all students for success in college and career…I hope all stakeholders—including those represented today—will provide the Department with their feedback on those regulations. It’s up to all of us to work together on this—and uphold the legacy and promise of our nation’s primary education law. So that every student has the opportunity to learn, regardless of where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make.”

Full text of Senator Murray’s remarks:

“Thank you, Chairman Alexander.

“We’ve got a diverse group of witnesses here to share their expertise and experiences—thank you all for joining us.

“I’m glad we have another opportunity to continue our discussion on implementing this important new law—the Every Student Succeeds Act—effectively and faithfully—to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education.

“For those keeping count, this is our fifth implementation hearing—and another great opportunity to ensure the law is on track.

“As I mentioned to Secretary King at our most recent hearing, I am encouraged to see the Department making progress to, provide much needed clarity for states and school districts, as they work to use the flexibility provided under ESSA in redesigning their accountability systems.

“This clarity is helping states and school districts engage and collaborate directly with: parents, teachers, school administrators, and civil rights organizations across the country.

“As I’ve mentioned before in these hearings: we were deliberate in granting the Department the authority to actually implement the law, and to do so in a way that accomplishes the clear goals we laid out.

“And to me, one of the most important of those goals is to maintain strong federal guardrails to ensure the law is truly working for all students.

“Because we know what happens when we don’t have true accountability—and when our education laws aren’t working well.

“Inevitably, it’s the: kids from low-income neighborhoods, kids of color, kids with disabilities, and kids learning English who too often fall through the cracks.

“And that wouldn’t just be against the spirit of the law we passed—it would be against the letter of it too.

“And honestly, it would be an unacceptable outcome.

“So, I am reviewing the regulations being released by the Department and taking a close look at the proposed parameters for: accountability systems, state plan requirements, and reporting requirements included in the draft.

“And, when necessary, I will continue raising concerns—and be pushing for more clarity—to ensure we maintain the focus on preparing all students for success in college and career.

“As I also told the Secretary at our last hearing, I am concerned about a few provisions in the draft regulations.

“For example, a provision that allow states to compare the performance of individual subgroups, to the average performance of all the students in the state.

“ESSA was clear—the performance of every single student and every single subgroup of students matters.

“We also need to make sure federal investments in education support state and local resources and do not simply replace them.

“The regulation, known as “supplement not supplant,” is an important fiscal accountability measure.

“This is an issue that has been raised at past hearings, I’m sure will be discussed today, and one that I will continue to push Secretary King to get right in the final rule.

“Lastly, the deadline for public comments on the: accountability, state plans, and reporting regulations is quickly approaching on August 1st.

“So I hope all stakeholders—including those represented today—will provide the Department with their feedback on those regulations.

“It’s up to all of us to work together on this—and uphold the legacy and promise of our nation’s primary education law.

“So that every student has the opportunity to learn, regardless of where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make.

“With that—I’ll keep my remarks short to make room for as many questions as possible.

“I look forward to hearing from each of you on how we can make sure this law helps provide quality education for every child. 

“Thank you.”                                                                                                                       

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