Dr. Wayne Wright of Purdue University Wants to see the Flexibility in ESSA
August 4, 2016
Writing that English learners will “by definition always fail to meet grade-level standards,” Dr. Wayne Wright of Purdue University wants to see the flexibility in ESSA used to create an accountability system to benefit these students. Dr. Wright argues that the “overall framework of NCLB remains intact,” but that ESSA will let states better manage how to evaluate school and district performance especially as it relates to a subgroup that is a “constantly moving target.” That flexibility “opens up the possibility for innovative programs to meet the needs of ELLs that are responsive to the unique needs of particular states and districts.”