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ST. PAUL, Minn. Dec. 10, 2015 – President Barack Obama signed into law Thursday the Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces the failed policies of the No Child Left Behind law. Education Minnesota President Denise Specht released the following statement in response.
 
“This law puts Minnesotans back in the driver’s seat when it comes to defining a ‘good school’ for Minnesota students,” Specht said. “The educators of Minnesota look forward to working toward new era for public education, one that leaves the test-and-punish policies of NCLB in the rear window.”
 
The new federal law will elevate the voices of educators in the policymaking process, remove the flawed systems of standardized testing from high-stakes decisions, and allow states to create new accountability systems designed to help close opportunity gaps in needy schools.
 
“I’m especially excited about how the new federal law will help expand full-service community schools in Minnesota and other states,” Specht said. “This is a big win for students, families and everyone who cares about reducing our opportunity gaps.”
 
Full-service community schools offer a strong academic program and provide the needed social, emotional and health services for children of color, children living in poverty, and their families. ESSA directs states to incorporate non-academic indicators in their accountability systems, such as school climate and safety, and student and educator engagement. The new law also includes grant programs that may be used to create and sustain full-service community schools.
 
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the bill last week, and the Senate followed suit Wednesday.
 
“This new law isn’t perfect. There will be inevitable challenges in implementation and we must remember that Congress left many of the most difficult questions about quality to the states to solve,” Specht said. “But I’m confident that when educators have a seat at the table with parents, community leaders and policymakers, with less federal meddling, we can create schools that prepare all Minnesota students for successful lives.”

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.