The key priority for ASCD and its members in 2013 is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
"ESEA is the cornerstone of current federal K–12 education policy," says David Griffith, ASCD director of public policy. "Thus, the top priority for ASCD and its members in 2013 is a comprehensive rewrite of ESEA that provides the necessary stability and long-term vision for our education system that helps ensure each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged."
Within a reauthorized version of ESEA, ASCD seeks provisions
- Creating meaningful accountability systems,
- Encouraging comprehensive improvement strategies, and
- Promoting adequate and effective preparation and ongoing professional development for educators to improve student outcomes.
As policymakers and stakeholders address ESEA and other issues, ASCD believes the following concepts are some of the key elements that must be included in any federal policies to help ensure success for students, educators, and education systems:
- Better preparation for college, careers, and citizenship. The demands of today's global society require a new approach to preparing our nation's youth for college, careers, and citizenship. Policymakers should seek a comprehensive approach to learning that recognizes that successful young people are knowledgeable, healthy, motivated, civically inspired, engaged in the arts, prepared for work and economic self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond their own borders.
- Multiple measures of student achievement and educator and school quality. The true measure of student proficiency, educator effectiveness, and school quality must be based on more than just students' test scores on a few state standardized tests. Likewise, evaluations of educators' effectiveness should be based on a combination of elements and could include students' performance, classroom observations, and staff feedback. Teacher and administrator evaluations must also lead to professional development opportunities that build the capacity of districts and schools to improve student outcomes.
- Sound school improvement strategies. All school improvement strategies—particularly interventions focused on the lowest-performing schools—must inform and engage all stakeholders; support enriched curriculum; enhance the school culture; provide high-quality teaching with ongoing professional learning to improve the quality of instruction; be commensurate with the need; and offer engaging learning opportunities that involve all students, families, and staff.
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Interested in Serving on ASCD'S 2013–14 Nominations Committee?
Help identify the candidates for the next ASCD election. Please go to www.ascd.org/nominations to access the application form and information on the committee's charge, qualifications for service, and the time commitment required. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 31, 2013.
