This paper presents the "Report to the Legislature: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Strategic Plan". This was a year of transition in public education. After former commissioner David Driscoll retired in August 2007, Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Nellhaus filled in as acting commissioner for nearly nine months until newly appointed commissioner Mitchell Chester began his new job on May 19, 2008. Dr. Chester began his work in Massachusetts by meeting extensively with stakeholder groups so that he could learn more about the state's strategic needs and priorities for education policy. He also signaled that closing gaps in achievement and in expectations for college and career readiness would be among his highest priorities for the K-12 system. At the same time, Governor Patrick established the Executive Office of Education, led by newly appointed Secretary of Education Paul Reville. This office was established to coordinate the work in all levels of education from preschool to college. Its first task, the Readiness Project, was to produce a statewide 10-year strategic plan for education policy in the Commonwealth. This report was released in June 2008. Informed by these discussions and reports, the commissioner and members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education held a retreat in early August to agree upon the following specific goals and priorities for their work over the coming several years. They anticipate that they will revisit this list from time to time to account for changes in stakeholder needs and shifting priorities; hence, they are "working" goals and priorities. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education working goals and priorities are: (1) Educator Development; (2) Curriculum and Instruction; (3) Accountability Redesign; (4) Supports for Students and Families; and (5) State Leadership and Operations. Chapter 182 of the Acts of 2008, line item 7010-0005 is appended.