Educators and organizations alike have until May 25, 2016 to submit feedback to the U.S. Department of Education regarding how it should provide guidance and assistance to states under the new education legislation- the Every Student Succeeds Act. The ED said on its website: “We invite you to share your thoughts, comments, and suggestions on areas or specific new requirements of the ESSA that you think would benefit from such guidance.” “For example, ED seeks input on: ways to expand early learning; strategies to recruit, develop, and retain teachers and leaders (Title II); clarification of fiscal requirements; student support services (Title IV); and other areas where state and local agencies could benefit from additional guidance. In addition, ED plans on developing guidance regarding students in foster care, homeless children and youth, and English Learners (Title III).” Providing feedback is as simple as e-mailing ED at [email protected] with simply the feedback and the sender’s name/affiliated organization. ASCD Is one of the many organizations that has sent its comments to the department and is asking educators in its network to do the same. In its feedback, ASCD urges ED to provide guidance to states on how to best use “Title II dollars be spent on professional development and not on other, unrelated activities in the law.” ” Educators and other school personnel need the maximum resources available for ongoing learning opportunities to enhance their practice and help students reach their full potential.” It is also urged the department to emphasize that educator evaluation systems should be based on multiple components aside from student achievement, a move made especially important because Title II funds are based partly on evaluation scores. Finally, ASCD asks the department to “highlight example tools or surveys for districts that have to undertake a needs assessment for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants. Needs assessment requirements should be flexible to allow districts to use or design evaluations that fit their unique communities best.” ASCD is asking educators in its network to submit similar comments to the department. The department will then use the feedback to clarify how it will interpret the law as it goes into effect this August.