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New Analysis of School Accountability Policies Finds Most States Now Measuring Chronic Absenteeism, College and Career Readiness

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Education Commission of the States Releases 50-State Comparison and Assessment Resources for Education Leaders and Policymakers

DENVER, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Education Commission of the States, a national nonpartisan organization that informs, counsels, and convenes education leaders to create effective education policy, today released a 50-state analysis that found about 75% of states now include chronic absenteeism and college and career readiness as performance indicators in their state systems of school accountability. The inclusion of these measures reflect the shared priorities of policymakers across the nation, regardless of political affiliation.

Federally-mandated school accountability systems serve many purposes, including sharing information, measuring progress toward state and local goals, highlighting gaps in performance between student groups, and identifying schools for support and additional resources.

“In the wake of the pandemic, as schools continue to recover from interrupted instruction and look for ways to support student success, it’s more important than ever for state education leaders and policymakers to capture and communicate a complete picture of student and school performance,” said ECS President José Muñoz. “Our 50-State Comparison aims to equip education leaders with an objective nationwide view of accountability policies and emerging trends that may help inform effective education policy. It also serves as a launching point to convene leaders, across political party lines, to share best practices that lead to excellent education experiences for all students.”

The 50-State Comparison comes as many states update their plans to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Since state ESSA plans were approved, COVID-19 pandemic school closures resulted in a two-year pause on state accountability. Additionally, states have amended their ESSA plans to account for shifting priorities and legislative changes, challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation lessons. Among the key takeaways from this year’s comparison:

At least 37 states and the District of Columbia include a measure of college and career readiness in their accountability system. Every student should graduate high school prepared for their next step in life, whether that is enrolling in college or entering the workforce. States are measuring how well schools prepare graduates in different ways, ranging from achieving cut scores on college entrance exams to completing early postsecondary opportunities or work-based learning experiences. Georgia captures students entering postsecondary institutions without requiring remedial or developmental coursework in their college and career readiness indicator, while Delaware includes credit accumulation for 9th graders to credit schools for keeping students on track to graduation.

At least 36 states include chronic absenteeism in their accountability system. Chronic absenteeism—students missing 10% or more of school—was a challenge for schools even before the pandemic but has since been exacerbated, reaching a rate of about 31% in 2021-22. Research shows chronic absenteeism can have a major impact on student performance. Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration urged states to adopt strategies to increase attendance, including by adding chronic absenteeism as an indicator in their statewide accountability and improvement systems. Iowa recently adopted an indicator of chronic absenteeism that credits schools for improving attendance rates for students identified as chronically absent in the previous year.

At least 16 states operate a unique state accountability system separate from the accountability system outlined in the state ESSA plan. State plans utilize different metrics, rating systems, and reporting mechanisms. A geographically and politically diverse group of states, like California and Missouri, operate separate state accountability systems that address concerns specific to the state’s unique education context and goals.

States are evolving the way they label and communicate overall school performance, with some shifting away from A-F ratings. States most commonly rate school performance using Descriptive Ratings, like “below expectations” or “meets expectations” (13 states), Index Ratings (12 states and the District of Columbia) and Federal Tiers of Support (14 states). Six states use A-F ratings and four states use 1-5 star ratings. The most notable change over time is a shift away from using A-F ratings. This year, for example, two fewer states—Indiana and Michigan—are using A-F ratings.

You can view the full findings of the comparison here.

In addition to the 50-State Comparison, ECS has published key information for state leaders on student assessment and a Special Report that explores federal assessment requirements, flexibilities and ways that states use assessment as a measurement tool to inform policy.

You can view all resources here.

About Education Commission of the States

Education Commission of the States (ECS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a partner to state policymakers by providing personalized support and opportunities to learn from one another. Through their resources and services, policymakers gain the insight and experience needed to create effective education policy. Learn more at ecs.org.

CONTACT: Thomas Rodgers, 601-334-6655, thomas@whiteboardadvisors.com.

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SOURCE Education Commission of the States

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Enghouse Systems Limited Announces Resignation of its President and Transition of Responsibilities

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October 4, 2024

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MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX: ENGH) today announced that Vince Mifsud, President, has tendered his resignation from the Company to pursue another opportunity. His departure will be effective December 2024, upon completion of the 2024 Enghouse fiscal year. Mr. Mifsud will transition his responsibilities to Steve Sadler, Chairman and CEO of Enghouse prior to his departure. The Company intends to conduct a comprehensive search for Mr. Mifsud’s replacement. 

“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining our strategic momentum,” said Mr. Sadler. “I look forward to guiding the team through this period and continuing to drive value for our shareholders.”

The Company wishes Mr. Mifsud the best in his new endeavor and thanks him for his dedication and many contributions over the seven years he has been with Enghouse.

About Enghouse Systems Limited

Enghouse Systems Ltd. is a Canadian publicly traded company (TSX:ENGH) that provides vertically focused enterprise software solutions focusing on contact centers, video communications, healthcare, telecommunications, public safety and the transit market. Enghouse has a two-pronged growth strategy that focuses on internal growth and acquisitions, which are funded through operating cash flows. The company has no external debt financing and is organized around two business segments: the Interactive Management Group and the Asset Management Group. Further information about Enghouse may be obtained from the company’s website at www.enghouse.com.

SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited

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/R E P E A T — MEDIA ADVISORY – Canada, Manitoba, and Giganawenimaanaanig to take a step forward on Red Dress Alert/

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October 4, 2024

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WINNIPEG, MB, Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Please be advised that the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families of Manitoba, will make an announcement about the Red Dress Alert pilot at Giganawenimaanaanig’s Day of Education and Awareness.

There will be a media availability following the announcement.

Media participation:

Media representatives are asked to RSVP to RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Virtual participation will be available, and instructions to connect remotely will be provided upon registration.

Media are first invited to observe Ministerial remarks and engagement with families, survivors, MMIWG advocates and frontline workers at 11:30 a.m. The media availability will follow in an adjoining room.

Date:  Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: The announcement will start at 11:30 a.m. (CT), followed by the media availability.

Media representatives are invited to preposition 30 minutes before the start time of the event.

Where:
Canad Inns Destination Centre Club Regent Casino Hotel
1415 Regent Ave W
Winnipeg, Manitoba

The announcement will take place in the Grand Ballroom, and the media availability will take place in the Ambassador E.

Follow us on X:

GovCan – Indigenous
(https://twitter.com/GCIndigenous)
Manitoba Government
(https://x.com/mbgov)

SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

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Loblaw Companies Limited Enters into Automatic Share Purchase Plan

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October 4, 2024

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BRAMPTON, ON, Oct. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) “Loblaw”) announced today that it has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a broker in order to facilitate repurchases of Loblaw’s common shares (“Common Shares”) under its previously announced normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”). 

Loblaw previously announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) to, during the 12-month period commencing May 6, 2024 and terminating May 5, 2025, purchase up to 15,336,875 Common Shares, representing approximately 5% of the 306,737,513 Common Shares issued and outstanding as of April 22, 2024, by way of a NCIB on the TSX or through alternative trading systems or by such other means as may be permitted under applicable law.

During the effective period of Loblaw’s ASPP, Loblaw’s broker may purchase Common Shares at times when Loblaw would not be active in the market due to insider trading rules and its own internal trading blackout periods. Purchases will be made by Loblaw’s broker based upon parameters set by Loblaw when it is not in possession of any material non-public information about itself and its securities, and in accordance with the terms of the ASPP. Outside of the effective period of the ASPP, Common Shares may continue to be purchased in accordance with Loblaw’s discretion, subject to applicable law. The ASPP has been entered into in accordance with the requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, and the nation’s largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,500 corporate franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada’s largest private sector employers.

Loblaw’s purpose – Live Life Well® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company’s stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations and close to 500 Loblaw locations; PC Financial® services; Joe Fresh® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada’s top-consumer brands in Life Brand®, Farmer’s Market™, no name® and President’s Choice®. For more information, visit Loblaw’s website at www.loblaw.ca and Loblaw’s issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited

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