Regarding the passage and signing of the new federal education bill that replaces No Child Left Behind:
One of the most important things about the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the bill’s focus on equity. It is a powerful affirmation of the importance of education as a true civil right, and it will fuel our own promising efforts in Minnesota to close achievement gaps and improve outcomes for all students, no matter where they live or what their economic circumstance.
ESSA closes the door on policies that shamed and blamed schools and teachers, and ushers in new era of real accountability for Minnesota and the nation. It allows us the flexibility to take what is working in our state and make it better, while still offering real support and assistance to the schools and students who need it most. This long-overdue bill allows Minnesota to move forward and continue the work of improving our educational system at every level, for every student and for every teacher.
I’d like to extend a special thank you to Congressman Kline and Senator Franken for their leadership on this bill, and to Minnesota’s congressional delegation for their support.
Commissioner Brenda Cassellius
Minnesota Department of Education
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