The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has announced a significant milestone: the approval of their ESSA amendment, which is now set for review by the US Department of Education. This development was highlighted during the September Assessment Directors Meeting, where officials discussed the implications of this approval.

Once submitted, the Department of Education has a 90-day window to respond. If they do not respond within this timeframe, the amendment will be automatically approved. However, if they do provide feedback, the process could extend beyond the initial 90 days, potentially leading to further revisions. USBE representatives assured attendees that updates will be shared promptly once a final decision is made.

The conversation also touched on the unpredictability of the approval process, with officials recalling that Kentucky received a swift approval under the current administration. The hope is for a similar outcome, but the uncertainty remains, as the response could vary based on the department's circumstances at the time of review.

This amendment is crucial for Utah's educational framework, and stakeholders are eager to see how the changes will be implemented once approved. The board emphasized their commitment to keeping everyone informed throughout this process.