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September 16, 2016

Dear Colleagues,

As a former high school social studies teacher and middle school principal, I know  that the start of school always brings a mix of jitters and excitement. So much  potential — and so much responsibility — lie in our hands as educators. I hope  your summer left you renewed and revitalized for your incredibly important work  with students. This year, there is so much at stake. The progress we have made  together could either set the foundation for greater gains or be hastily undone  if we take our eye off the ball.

Over  the past eight years, teachers and principals have worked hard to implement  more rigorous, college- and career-ready standards for all students. We’ve set  a new record for high school graduation and enabled a million more African  American and Hispanic students to make it to college. And thanks to your vocal  feedback, the White House and the Department have called on states and  districts to eliminate unnecessary and low-quality tests.

We  gain new momentum from our nation’s new education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA),  which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and begins  to go into effect this year. It stays true to the civil rights legacy of the ESEA  signed by President Johnson in 1965, extending the promise of an excellent, well-rounded education to every student, regardless of race, family income, home language, immigration  status, disability, or any other circumstance. But a lot rides on its  implementation. ESSA provides the opportunity for educators to have new  flexibility to allow for innovation and to accommodate local needs, but we must  ensure that, whatever we do, we’re addressing the needs of all students.  Earlier this summer, I reminded state and local leaders  of their obligation to gather broad input — including from educators — in the  design of their ESSA plans as well as their implementation. I now encourage you  to find ways to get involved and provide input to ensure that your state’s plan reflects your expertise from  the classroom and school levels.

When  I came into this office in January, I knew my time was short, but the  opportunity to make a difference was great. So, I am focusing my attention on  three issues that are critically important, and also where I think we can still  make progress: equity and excellence for every student; lifting up the teaching  profession; and ensuring that all students not only make it to college, but  complete college. I lost both parents by the time I turned 12, but my teachers  in New York City’s public schools never gave up on me. Instead, they held me to  high expectations and made me believe that I could accomplish anything. Every  young person deserves teachers who will do the same for them, and we must  ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive places for every  student, regardless of whatever challenges they may be facing.

The  Department has worked to provide state educational agencies with more and  better information to support students, but I want to share these resources  directly with you as well. This summer, we released guidance on how ESSA protects students in foster  care or those experiencing homelessness.  Separately, we reminded states and districts of their obligation to protect students from discrimination on the basis of  their religion. We  also clarified their obligation to provide appropriate behavioral interventions  and supports to students with disabilities where necessary to receive free appropriate public education and placement in  the least restrictive environment under the Individuals with Disabilities  Education Act (IDEA).

Part of providing a supportive environment is giving students the tools and space to have honest  conversations — which is especially  needed following the string of violent events across the nation this summer.  How can our schools build trust and understanding and create communities where  every child can thrive? I remain hopeful that Congress will continue building  momentum toward the President’s Stronger Together****budget  proposal to advance school diversity. In the meantime, I hope your district  will explore ways to increase diversity in schools, cultivate a diverse  educator workforce, and take advantage of our resources for engaging  families and communities.********

While  we still have a long way to go as a nation in confronting deep-seated issues  around race and bias, I was inspired anew at a Teach  to Lead summit in Minneapolis, where I saw  educators deeply committed to equity and energized to develop and put into  practice their own solutions to the myriad issues that affect student success.

| | Sincerely,       
| | -----------------
| | /s/              
| | John B. King, Jr.