DeVos Approves Alaska and Iowa Plans
May 16, 2018
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced on May 16 that Alaska and Iowa gained approval for their state ESSA plans. “I am pleased to approve these plans which comply with the requirements of the law,” said Secretary DeVos. “I encourage states to use their plans as a starting point, rather than a finish line, to improve outcomes for all students.” She noted some “unique elements” from each state’s plan, including Alaska’s goal to cut the number of non-proficient students by 50% in a decade, and Iowa’s plan to set “clear and rigorous standards,” and have educators help students reach them through “high-quality instruction and evidence-based practices.”