The Education Department wants to know which parts of the Every Student Succeeds Act it can clarify through guidance.
Federal officials are currently in the thick of regulating on assessments, supplement not supplant and accountability. But the department wants to provide guidance to help the “public understand the law, how ED is interpreting the law, and to provide clarification and examples of best practices,” the department said in a release.
The department is emphasizing that guidance, unlike regulations, isn’t binding and isn’t meant to impose new requirements on states. Members of Congress have accused the Education Department of circumventing the regulatory process on Title IX, forcing colleges and universities to make changes because they see federal guidance as binding.
On ESSA, the department is seeking thoughts and suggestions on how guidance might be helpful when it comes to “ways to expand early learning; strategies to recruit, develop, and retain teachers and leaders (Title II); clarification of fiscal requirements; student support services (Title IV); and other areas where state and local agencies could benefit from additional guidance. In addition, ED plans on developing guidance regarding students in foster care, homeless children and youth, and English Learners (Title III).”
The department is accepting input until May 25 at ESSA.guidance@ed.gov.