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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item Cover PageAGENDA ITEM COVER PAGE File ID: #3909 Resolution Sponsored by: Commissioner Wifredo Gort A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REVISE FLORIDA'S STATE PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT IN ORDER TO MEET FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE THE SUPPORT AND ATTENTION THEY DESERVE; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN. City of Miami Legislation Resolution Enactment Number: R-18-0148 City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com File Number: 3909 Final Action Date:4/12/2018 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REVISE FLORIDA'S STATE PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT IN ORDER TO MEET FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE THE SUPPORT AND ATTENTION THEY DESERVE; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN. WHEREAS, the Every Student Succeeds Act ("ESSA") is the latest reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and WHEREAS, the purpose of ESSA is to strengthen and improve educational quality and educational opportunities in the nation's elementary and secondary schools; and WHEREAS, each state is tasked with developing a plan for compliance with and implementation of the federal requirements embedded within ESSA; and WHEREAS, each state's plan for implementation of ESSA is developed by each state's department of education; reviewed, approved, or rejected by each state's governor; and submitted to the United States Secretary of Education for review to ensure compliance with the law; and WHEREAS, Florida's plan, submitted on September 20, 2017, was refused by the United States Department of Education which requested clarification and additional information to ensure that Florida's plan has met all statutory and regulatory requirements; and WHEREAS, over 24 categories within Florida's submitted plan were cited as "Items That Require Additional Information or Revision in Florida's Consolidated State Plan"; and WHEREAS, among other things, the United States Department of Education found: (1) Although Florida's plan indicates that it will measure progress in achieving English language proficiency at the school level, it does not include this measure in its accountability calculation as required by ESSA to meaningfully differentiate among schools; (2) Florida's plan does not specifically detail how to identify each school in which any subgroup of students, on their own, are performing so poorly as to receive additional targeted support; and (3) Florida's plan does not provide a definition for languages other than English that are present to a significant extent in the participating student population and does not provide a mechanism for English language learners to be tested in their native language; and WHEREAS, numerous national civil rights organizations, English language learning experts, education reform organizations, and over 90 Florida -based advocacy groups have expressed their dissatisfaction with Florida's proposed ESSA plan to state and national policymakers; and WHEREAS, Florida's plan does not currently meet the federal requirements of ESSA and, in turn, cannot provide all children in Florida with an opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high -quality education; and WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission is supportive of a statewide ESSA plan which serves the interests of all students, including historically marginalized subgroups; defines, solicits, and incorporates meaningful stakeholder engagement; and provides the requisite support and attention all students in Florida deserve; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section. Section 2. The City Commission hereby urges the Florida Department of Education to revise Florida's plan to comply with ESSA in order to meet federal requirements and ensure that all students receive the support and attention they deserve. Section 3. The City Commission further directs the City Clerk to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the Governor, the Chair and Members of the Miami -Dade State Legislative Delegation, the United States Secretary of Education, and the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education. Section 4. The City Commission further directs the City Manager to make this a legislative priority and direct the state lobbyists to advocate for the issues set forth in this Resolution. Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of the Mayor.' APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: Barnaby I_. Min, Deputy City Attorney 4/3/2018 If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten (10) calendar days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.