Synopsis:

Passed: H.J.Res. 57 was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2017.

H.J.Res. 57 repeals the Department of Education rule under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that requires states to submit an accountability plan for the implementation of ESSA. The accountability regulations clarify statutory language, improve school flexibility and ensure states develop accountability plans to identify schools in need of support. Supporters of the repeal of these regulations want to remove the federal government’s role in the classroom, allowing states to have more control over their own curricula in schools. Opponents to the repeal argue the accountability regulations are needed to meaningfully implement ESSA and that repealing these accountability features would undermine equal opportunity for all students and diminish the efficacy of the law.

Supporters:

Reps. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.); Freedom Works, The National Governors Association, AASA, the School Administrators Association.

Opponents:

National Center for Learning Disabilities, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Chamber of Commerce, National Disability Rights Network, Association of Centers on Disability, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Alliance for Excellent Education, Children’s Defense Fund, Democrats for Education Reform, Easter Seals, League of United Latin American Citizens, NAACP, National Women’s Law Center, Teach for America et al.

Links to Additional Resources: