Dive Brief:

• A new report from the RAND Corporation and a guide from the Council of Chief State School Officers offer new ideas for funding principal training and support based on the Every Student Succeeds Act.
• Education Week reports that the RAND report represents a resource for states looking for evidence-based leadership programs and initiatives by highlighting various options and their level of demonstrated success at improving student or other school outcomes.
• The CCSSO guide focuses on using ESSA funding opportunities to elevate school leadership — ESSA allows states to use up to 2% of Title II funds on leadership preparation programs for teachers or principals in high-needs schools and another 3% for leadership development.

Dive Insight:

The passage of the ESSA legislation marked the beginning of a lot of work for states, which are now planning transformations for the next era of K-12 education. While many ESSA provisions are set to take effect during the 2017-18 school year, the incoming Trump administration could throw a wrench in some plans, depending on how much of an activist role the U.S. Department of Education plans to take. The department must approve plans states are now developing for submission in 2017. It will also determine whether the Obama administration rule-making stays in place.

With a massive shift in power from the federal government to the states, there is a new responsibility being handed to the local level. If inequality or achievement gaps increase, the blame will be placed squarely on states and districts. It will be up to these local entities to ensure the equity goals of federal law are carried out across the country.