Director Wise Announces Every Student Succeeds Act Advisory Committee

Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise announced last week a new state committee to provide input on the development of Iowa’s plan to meet the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The group met for the first time on Aug. 18.

The Every Student Succeeds Act replaces the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and restores a more reasonable balance between the role of states and the federal government in accountability for the success of all children. Under the reauthorized law, the federal government sets expectations, and states determine how schools will reach them. State plans must address academic standards, assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools. Iowa’s state plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education no later than July 2017.

“We’re excited about the possibilities with the Every Student Succeeds Act and embrace our role of building a plan that makes sense for Iowa,” Wise said. “Input from Iowa education stakeholders is critical in our efforts to build a cohesive system that pairs accountability with the support our educators need to improve student achievement.” 

The Every Student Succeeds Act Advisory Committee includes educators and representatives of school boards, area education agencies, education associations and parents. This fall, the Department will announce more opportunities for parents and other stakeholders to provide input. The Department also will coordinate with other state agencies and stakeholders, such as the business community, to collect input.

The Every Student Succeeds Act Advisory Committee will meet at least four times through February. Meetings are open to the public. Committee members with ties to Heartland AEA are Tom Ahart, Superintendent, Des Moines Public Schools; Mike Beranek, Teacher, West Des Moines Community Schools; Bill Decker, Administrator, Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency; Kevin Fiene, Superintendent, Interstate 35 Community Schools; Sam Miller, Administrator, Area Education Agency 267; Jill Morrill, School Board Member, Johnston Community School District; Jill Philby, Teacher, Lynnville-Sully Community School District; and Bryan Stearns, Associate Principal, West Des Moines Community Schools.