“It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you start off. Through a great education, you can succeed.” – President Obama, December 10, 2015
The monumental challenge of educating our nation’s students received two very important boosts this week. First was the signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This new law replaces the much-maligned No Child Left Behind Act with a new set of standards, most notably a return to state-driven assessments and a more balanced perspective regarding student testing.
Second was the release of the 2016 National Education Technology Plan (NETP) by the U.S. Department of Education. The NETP acknowledges that technology is not a course in which students enroll; rather it is a vital tool to support teachers and to empower student education both inside and outside school buildings.
I am strongly encouraged by these actions. At no time in history have we had more potential to positively intervene and improve the education and lives of students – the future of our nation and our world depends on it. Adopting stronger education-related policies and embracing the effective use of technology can help every family and community in our country. I salute our leaders in Washington, DC, who have come together to take these important steps.
