Secretary DeVos Approves Pennsylvania's ESSA State Plan
Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the approval of Pennsylvania's consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
"Pennsylvania's plan met the requirements of the law, and so I am happy to approve it," said Secretary DeVos. "This plan should not be seen as a ceiling, but as a foundation upon which Pennsylvania can improve education for its students."
Allowing states more flexibility in how they deliver education to students is at the core of ESSA. Each state crafted a plan that it feels will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students. The following are some of the unique elements from Pennsylvania's approved plan as highlighted by the state:
- Reduces the statewide percentage of non-proficient and non-graduating students by 50 percent by 2030.
- Implements a Career Ready Indicator that will highlight school success in career exploration activities, even down to the elementary level.
"Pennsylvania's plan reflects our guiding principles of transparency, equity, and innovation, and provides new flexibility to schools as they prepare students for success after graduation," said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. "We are particularly proud of the extensive stakeholder engagement efforts undertaken during the planning process, which ensure that the plan aligns with the needs and priorities of Pennsylvania's educators, students, and communities."