The Center’s Statement in Response to the Education Department’s Decision to Uphold Accountability Testing

We are deeply appreciative of the important clarification provided by Secretary DeVos to states today ensuring states must plan to administer statewide summative assessments during the 2020-2021 school year. This is consistent with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which the Center worked collaboratively to support with charter school leaders as well as civil rights and special education advocates. While we know the pandemic may pose certain challenges and in some cases alter the timing or delivery of assessments, we also know that students with disabilities will benefit when schools and districts work together to identify when student subgroups are not meeting state-defined outcomes. We must do all we can to ensure that students experiencing any kind of learning lag or gaps are provided targeted support and intervention as soon as it is safe to do so. The Secretary’s position is a significant step in that direction.