WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association (NGA) today released the following statement on Congressional Review Act disapproval resolutions blocking final regulations on Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability and teacher preparation programs that reiterates NGA’s longstanding position:
“Accountability for education rests with the states, regardless of federal regulations.
In relation to the teacher preparation regulations, today’s actions from Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) deliver states from unfunded mandates that would have hampered higher education institutions from preparing the next generation of teachers.
Congress has paved the way for states to move forward with education innovation under ESSA uninhibited by regulatory barriers on accountability. Governors will do what they always planned to do and what Americans trust them to do: look to the law to develop an accountability system that prioritizes educational equity.
For minimal disruption and a continued smooth transition to ESSA, governors will work with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that clarity on accountability is swiftly provided to states through guidance and technical assistance. Governors will also forge a strong relationship with the new Administration to guarantee that K-12 civil rights safeguards continue to be upheld.”