 SBOE Approves Final #ESSA Accountability Plan
On
March 22, 2017, the DC State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to approve a new
accountability system for the District of Columbia. This system will provide
District parents the ability to compare the performance of public schools on a
variety of measures including student growth and academic achievement. The
state plan, drafted by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education
(OSSE), gives the District more flexibility in advancing educational excellence
and provides assistance to schools so that each student has the opportunity for
success.
The
SBOE will continue to work with OSSE to implement the plan and develop
additional metrics related to a well-rounded education, high school growth, and
school climate. The State Board remains committed to including these metrics as
part of the state plan as soon as possible.
 Next Up: School Report Cards
The next step in implementing ESSA is the development of a comprehensive school report card. The US Department of Education notes that report cards are "critical tools for both promoting accountability and for engaging parents and communities in meaningful discussions about the academic challenges and opportunities facing schools. Accurate and timely information brings transparency to education policies, uncovers academic challenges and deficits, and highlights areas in which the State, LEA, and schools have made gains.”
In the coming months, the SBOE will release to the public a plan of action that will provide a clear and transparent process of engagement on the elements we, as a city, want to see in our report cards. The SBOE is committed to approving a report card that ensures that parents no longer have to search for essential information across multiple websites and that they provide full stories of each school. The SBOE will also work with the Mayor and Council to ensure that these report cards are accessible (508 compliant) and translated into all of the languages required by the Language Access Act.
 Does Your Child Struggle In School?
The Office of the Ombudsman helps parents and students who have questions, concerns, and complaints about the DC public schools and DC public charter schools. We are independent and impartial in our approach to solving problems. We listen to all parties involved and make recommendations based on the student’s best interests. Our Office helps families solve problems their children are facing in areas that include special education, discipline, school environment, academic progress, and enrollment.
We are problem solvers! We can coach, mediate, or participate in a school meeting with you. If you need help, call us at 202-741-0886 or email us at ombudsman@dc.gov.
 Have Public Education Questions?
We can help! The Office of the Student Advocate supports families in navigating the DC public school system, both DC Public Schools and public charter schools. We operate a Request for Assistance (RFA) line LIVE Monday – Friday between 9 am and 5:30 pm as a “311” system for public education. Call us at (202) 741-4692 for resources, referrals, and one-on-one coaching on a variety of public education issues. Also visit us online at https://studentadvocate.dc.gov for additional resources and toolkits, such as our Online Education & Community Resource Guide!
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 Let's Get Physical!
During the March Public Meeting, the State Board voted to approve the proposed recommendation from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education on updating District-wide physical education standards. These academic standards will cover all students from pre-kindergarten through high school age. Physical education standards were last approved in 2008. Read the proposed changes and learn how they will develop physically literate students who have the knowledge,
skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.
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