Public asked to provide feedback on draft consolidated state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Public feedback is sought for the draft Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The 30-day public comment period begins today, Tuesday, April 18, and will run through Thursday, May 18, 2017.

News Release from Hawaii DoE, 18-Apr-2017

HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is welcoming public feedback on the draft Hawaii Consolidated State Plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The 30-day public comment period begins today, Tuesday, April 18, and will run through Thursday, May 18, 2017.

The ESSA draft includes important requirements such as long-term goals and accountability frameworks that the State must describe and fulfill.  The draft proposes to align federal ESSA funding requirements with the Strategic Plan to advance equity and excellence for all students. State and Complex Areas may use federal funds to support and assist schools,

“I really believe the ESSA draft empowers me as a principal,”said Interim Deputy Superintendent Keith Hayashi.  “It provides me opportunities for working with my teachers and parents that gets everyone together to address issues in creative and innovative ways.”

The public comment period is a required precursor to submitting the final consolidated state plan by the September 18 deadline.  Receipt of federal funding for Hawaii public schools is dependent upon approval of Hawaii's consolidated state plan.  A summary of public feedback for this draft plan will be shared at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

The ESSA draft is available for public viewing at "ESSA Draft Plan", along with a public comment survey and a narrated presentation providing an overview of the ESSA timeline, process and plan.