Final draft of state ESSA plan released for comment
Following two public drafts and months of stakeholder input, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) today released the final draft of the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.
Delaware’s final draft plan has been submitted to Governor John Carney and is open for a 30-day public comment period, ending March 30. Department staff will continue to review and incorporate feedback until the submission of the plan to the U.S. Department of Education in April.
On January 9, the state released the second draft of its federal ESSA plan. Updates to sections 1 and 4 (long-term goals and accountability/support/improvement for schools) were released January 31 with changes highlighted.
DDOE also released a framework document that provided context around the department's related work and narrated slides that gave an overview of the changes between the January 9 draft and the October 31 version. An updated framework document also was released today.
The final draft reflects additional feedback received from various education stakeholders, including the Governor’s ESSA Advisory Council, discussion groups and comments submitted by the public.
“The final draft released today is the result of months of collaboration with educators, families, community leaders and other stakeholders across the state. Their input and feedback was critical, and those relationships can’t end with this draft,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “We must continue to collaborate on this final draft and our work in general. Together we can ensure every child in our state graduates from our public schools prepared for success in life.”
Bunting invites the public to review the final draft plan and provide feedback on the final draft of the state plan. Further input can be submitted to ESSAStatePlan@doe.k12.de.us through March 30.