For its work in designing an improved school-rating system, the Arizona Department of Education’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan received praise in a recently released report by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, according to a press release.

According to the report, titled “Rating the Ratings Report,” Arizona’s submission earned a strong rating in the main three categories of evaluation, and the institute’s president, Mike Petrilli, said that Arizona developed one of the best approaches.

“Arizona has taken the lead nationally in regards to ESSA implementation and innovation,” Diane Douglas, superintendent of public instruction, said, according to the press release. “Not only am I extremely proud that Arizona was the first to submit its state ESSA plan, but also for the well-earned accolades the state has received from this report.”

Douglas credited the support from staff, input from parents, administrators, stakeholders, community members and elected officials who ensured the plan was comprehensive.

The institute evaluated the first 17 state ESSA plans submitted to the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year.