English Learner Policy Trends in ESSA Plans
May 11, 2017
Conor Williams, senior researcher for New America’s Education Policy Program, authored a piece on English Learner policy trends in ESSA plans. Williams raised concerns over state plans that are using various forms of “escalating proficiency targets.” He argues that “this approach to ELs and school accountability isn’t just fancifully ambitious; it’s potentially distorting.” Williams urges stakeholders to “pay careful attention to the details of state policy decisions,” because “states are unlikely to hold themselves accountable for prioritizing these students’ needs.”