The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is seeking highly qualified individuals to serve in a critical role as peer reviewers of State plans, as required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Under ESSA, States will build on their experience making progress toward high quality education for all students while reclaiming the promise of well-rounded education in individual State contexts. Under sections 1111(a)(4) and 8451(d) of the ESEA, the Department must conduct a peer review process to facilitate the approval of State plans, with multi-disciplinary peer review teams that include:
- Educators (e.g., teachers, principals, or other school leaders, or specialized instructional support personnel), ideally within the past two years;
- State and local educational agency personnel, ideally within the past two years;
- Researchers who are familiar with the implementation of standards, assessments, and accountability systems; and
- Researchers who are familiar with how to meet the needs of disadvantaged students, children with disabilities, and English learners, the needs of low-performing schools, and other educational needs of students.
Peer reviewers will evaluate whether each State plan meets statutory and regulatory requirements and the degree to which each State plan will support a comprehensive and coherent set of improvements within the areas of: consultation and performance management; academic assessments; accountability, support, and improvement for schools; supporting excellent educators; and supporting all students. Peer reviewers will work together on panels to offer vital feedback to the Department for State plans. For more information, including a link to the application, visit https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/stateplan17/index.html.
Please share this notice with colleagues who may be interested in helping the Department with this important activity, noting applications are due by January 27, 2017.
Questions about this request may be sent to ESSA.PeerReview@ed.gov.