HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-18-0148City of Miami
Resolution R-18-0148
Legislation
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.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
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
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 3909 (Revision:) Printed On: 3/31/2025
File ID: 3909 Enactment Number: R-18-0148
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
1 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.
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File ID: 3909 (Revision:) Printed on: 3/31/2025