DOE Guidance on Assessing Student Learning During the Pandemic

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently released guidance recognizing the importance of flexibility in the administration of assessments for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidance is intended to assist states in balancing educational equity, identifying student needs, and targeting resources during the pandemic.

The ED suggests assessment flexibility by: (1) extending the testing window or moving assessments to the summer or fall; (2) giving the assessments remotely (if feasible); and (3) shortening the state assessment to make testing more feasible to implement and prioritize in-person learning time. The ED is allowing states to request a waiver for the Every Student Succeeds Act’s (ESSA) accountability and school identification requirements.

In addition, the ED issued a letter to the Chief State School Officers outlining its plans for the 2020-2021 school year. ED is prepared to work with states to address their individual needs and conditions while ensuring the maximum available statewide data to inform the targeting of resources and support.

Should you have any questions about this decision, or any other issue impacting schools, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the attorneys in the Appel, Yost & Zee Education group.