During July, seven policy analysts published reports about what occurred in California, Florida, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Higher Education
California: Daniel Melzer explained the Bill to Prohibit Standardized Placement Exams in California Community Colleges introduced in the state legislature. High school GPA and coursework would replace standardized tests.
PreK–12
California: Laurie Stowell described a New Free App for California schools that shares school data with parents, students, and the community.
Florida: Margaret Gardineer examines Florida’s Request for Waivers from ESSA with regard to assessment and placement of ELL students. Margaret notes that Florida had sought a similar waiver in 2014, prompting Margaret to conclude, “Florida’s current waiver request appears to be part of a policy pattern to extend its flexibility in assessing and implementing entitlements for its significant ELL student population.”
Maine: In Proficiency-Based Education: Innovation for Improvement or Servant of Standards, Susan Stires grappled with Maine’s instituting proficiency-based diplomas in the four core subjects by 2021.
New York: Derek Kulnis reported that the “New York State Legislature granted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio a two-year extension on mayoral control of the city’s school system.”
Washington: Barbara Ward listed webinar dates for the public to provide comments on Washington’s ESSA plan.
Both PreK–12 and Higher Education
Pennsylvania: Aileen Hower shared an article from the Philadelphia Tribune regarding Community College of Philadelphia and Philadelphia School District teaming up for school that offers associates degrees.