Today, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote to repeal important accountability regulations under the Every Student Succeeds Act that were issued by the Obama administration. Such action could have severe negative implications for low-performing schools and students.
If the regulations are repealed, groups of students with low graduation rates may fall through the cracks and not be identified for the additional support they need. Low-income students, students of color, special education students, English language learners and other traditionally underserved students are most likely to be negatively impacted.
Additionally, school letter grades could mask the low performance of traditionally underserved students and inaccurate graduation rate calculations may prevent low-performing high schools from receiving support.
To repeal the accountability measures, the Senate needs only a simple majority vote. Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate, meaning that at least three Republicans need to vote against the measure. So far, U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio is the only Republican who has said he will vote against the measure.
Now is the time to call your Senators to urge them to vote NO. Call (202) 224-3121 and an operator will connect you directly with your Senator’s office. When you reach your Senator’s office, ask to speak with or leave a message for the person who covers education.
To learn more about this important issue, visit http://all4ed.org/ed-releases-final-essa-accountability-regulations-whats-different-and-whats-next/.