Conexión Américas and the and the Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition were honored to host U.S. Secretary of Education, John King, today at Casa Azafrán. We joined him for a Roundtable on Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) with members of the Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition. The Coalition members shared their priorities and recommendations for ESSA with the Secretary and his staff, including a focus on:
• strong accountability systems, including an emphasis on English Learners and low performing schools and groups of students
• excellent teachers for every student and an increase in teacher diversity
• the equitable distribution of resources and supports for students
Our Coalition members came from across the state and represent a broad set of civil rights leaders and educators. The Coalition will continue to work closely with the Tennessee Department of Education as they develop their plan for implementation of ESSA in Tennessee.
“We are pleased the Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition had the opportunity to speak directly to our nation’s top education leader about the needs and opportunities of children of color in Tennessee.” said Conexión Américas’ co-founder and executive director Renata Soto.
