Policy Memo: Response to Delaware ESSA

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) affords a unique opportunity to rethink how Delaware has approached education reform and accountability in the past. It is an opportunity to make bold changes, to plan for sustainable and equitable change, and to capitalize on all of the assets that Delaware families, community organizations, businesses, and institutions of higher education have to offer. The University of Delaware Partnership for Public Education (PPE) represents the University's collective commitment to strengthening public education in Delaware, working to mobilize the University's research, educational, and public service resources and provide greater and more systematic coordination of diverse efforts in order to maximize support for education in Delaware. In the spirit of this work, PPE submits these comments and feedback to Secretary Godowsky, the Delaware Department of Education, and to the Governor's Advisory Committee. In this document, PPE shares feedback gathered from a range of committed faculty and professionals across multiple colleges, departments, and centers at the University of Delaware. The comments are organized by theme: (1) Diversity and Equity; (2) Research Evidence, Data, and Assessment; and (3) Sustainability and Capacity Building. Within each theme, some guiding principles for the plan are identified and specific feedback is offered on various sections and proposed policies. A list of contributors and resources within the University is then provided to further engage in the planning and implementation process of the Delaware ESSA plan.