Markell: Governors Should Work with Stakeholders to Improve Education for Students
January 30, 2018
Former Delaware Governor Jack Markell writes that governors and other state leaders have the opportunity “to do a lot more to take ownership of their education plans and work with stakeholders—parents, educators and community members—to create and implement sound ESSA plans.” Governor Markell also discusses the Collaborative for Student Success’ Check State Plans initiative—done in conjunction with Bellwether Education Partners—where “a group of 45 experts reviewed every state’s plan for complying with this federal law, and they found that many states have not outlined detailed plans that will help all students succeed.” But it’s not too late for states to seize the opportunity provided by ESSA, especially since these 45 peer reviewers “have provided actionable steps states can take to better serve students and improve education,” as well as “highlight best practices among peer states.” Governor Markell says our nation’s students “deserve action,” and it is “up to leaders to collaborate with their own educators and community members to use the expert guidance offered to them to strengthen their states’ education systems and provide students with the high-quality educations that can lead to better futures.”