Minnesota School Administrators Having Doubts On ESSA Reform

School administrators from Minnesota have expressed their doubts on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). They claim that the reform still does not address some of the pressing problems at school.

Daily Globe reported that this act is not the answer to the current predicaments of teachers like shortages of personnel and school facilities. "On the new law, quite honestly, I see no change in Minnesota. The new system already follows what we do, and we are frustrated with it," said John Langaard, superintendent of Worthington School District 518.

The educators claimed that ESSA would allow them to use the funding for early childhood provisions and mental health but noted that they still do not receive funding. In addition, the expansion of the programs also seems impossible given their financial status.

They also mentioned on the Daily Globe report that districts also need allocation for mental health services noting that having psychiatrists in some schools is not enough. "These kids know these counselors for three to four months, and then (the counselors) leave... that's not good for them," explained Springfield Superintendent Keith Kottke.

According to the National Schools Board Association (NSBA), ESSA was originally enacted in 1965. In 2007, it was reauthorized but its flaws hindered it to be signed into law. It was only signed last Dec. 10, 2015 by President Barack Obama noting that its goal is to create improvements on the academic performance of the students.

In a White House statement, it was explained that the bipartisan bill will prepare students to become successful individuals for the 21st century. This reform delivers a much-needed fix to the outdated policies of No Child left Behind by rejecting the overuse of standardized tests and one-size-fits-all mandates, and instead, empowering states and school districts to develop their own strategies for improvement," the statement furthered.