The National Associtaion of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has released a new toolkit and action guide The Principals Action Plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Providing All Students With a Well-Rounded and Complete Education.

Developed in collaboration with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Center for Great Teachers and Leaders (GTL), this interactive “toolkit” identifies key policy levers in ESSA that principals must advocate for as states and districts draft implementation plans. It also offers communications resources to effectively engage policy makers, and the tools needed to develop engagement strategies such as evidence to draw upon in support of the theory of action. The expertise and guidance in the action plan includes specific talking points and resources on:

• Standards and Assessments
• Accountability
• School Improvement
• District Title I Plans and Resources
• Providing Professional Support
• Student Supports and Academic Enrichment
• High Quality Early Learning

In light of the recent letter from Secretary DeVos, which emphasized that states should continue to move forward with the ESSA planning process despite the freeze on accountability and state plans until March 21, 2017, it is hoped that you will find the action guide useful for planning as well as for full implementation of the new law over the coming years.