Secretary DeVos Approves Maryland's ESSA State Plan

U.S, Department of Education
Press Office
January 16, 2018

Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the approval of Maryland's consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

"Maryland's plan met the requirements of the law, and so I am happy to approve it," said Secretary DeVos. "This plan should not be seen as a ceiling, but as a foundation upon which Maryland can improve education for its students."

Allowing states more flexibility in how they deliver education to students is at the core of ESSA. Each state crafted a plan that it feels will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students.

The following are some of the unique elements from Maryland's approved plan as highlighted by the state:

• Awards credit for elementary school students completing a well-rounded curriculum as measured by the percentage of students passing social studies, fine arts, physical education and health.
• Supports low-performing schools through innovative strategies based on collaboration between local school districts and the state, including providing access to leadership coaches for school leaders at low-performing schools in order to give guidance on the implementation of school improvement strategies.

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