Statement from Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia on the Signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act

“We still have to review the new law closely, and there are a number of questions we have to find answers for, questions about evaluations, assessments, and accountability.   

"But it’s apparent that President Obama and the Congress have struck a balance between maintaining high standards for our nation’s students and providing states with the flexibility to implement their own strategies.

"In New York, we will continue to challenge our students to ensure they’re ready for life after high school, either on a college campus or in the workplace.  The Every Student Succeeds Act will let us move forward to implement the new, higher standards and improve our schools.  Our goal is to help our students build better lives through education.  ESSA is another tool to help us complete that task."