For Immediate Release
March 14, 2017

Statement by Mimi Corcoran, President & CEO, National Center for Learning Disabilities in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement of a new State plan template under the Every Student Succeeds Act

“The National Center for Learning Disabilities is troubled by the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement of a new State plan template – one that fails to acknowledge the important role of parent and community involvement in the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Though the law’s requirement for States to meaningfully consult with parents and the community remains intact, the Department’s lack of attention to the issue minimizes the immense contributions of parents and the community in this process, missing a critical opportunity to reinforce the important partnership between States and parents.
NCLD urges every State to meet the letter and spirit of the law by meaningfully engaging with parents and the community in the development of ESSA State plans. We are encouraged by the National Governor’s Association response to the Department, which affirms their commitment to working with parents and the community. To help meet the law’s requirements, NCLD is committed to supporting our parent community so they can become active, engaged, and vocal partners in this process. Our ESSA Advocacy Toolkit is an easy guide for parents available in English, Spanish and read aloud mode.
In the end, the law requires States and communities to work together to help all children succeed. NCLD and our parent community stand ready to make this a productive partnership. Our children deserve no less.”

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Full text statement available here.