Earlier today, the Department of Education published the final regulations to implement the "Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015." The final ESSA regulations are designed to support states in maximizing their opportunities under the new law.
The final regulations are categorized in the following manner:
- Accountability - A more comprehensive picture of school success;
- School Support and Improvement - A more tailored and flexible approach;
- Data Reporting - Complete information for parents and communities; and
- Consolidated State Plans - Comprehensive planning to support equity and access.
The guidance also makes changes to the following in response to public comments:
- Timeline for Implementation of New Accountability Systems;
- Summative School Determinations and Data Dashboards;
- Academic Progress and School Quality or Student Success Indicators;
- Subgroup Accountability: N-Size Requirements;
- Subgroup Accountability: Identification of Consistently Underperforming Subgroups;
- Incorporation of Assessment Participation Rates; and
- Timeline for Student Attainment of English Language Proficiency.
In addition, the final ESSA regulations require states to include the early childhood educators and leaders and required groups to participate in the stakeholder engagement process. This group was not included in the earlier version of this regulation.
Lastly, the ESSA guidance allows states the opportunity to submit their consolidated state plans on one of two dates (April 3, 2017 or September 18, 2017).
View and obtain a copy of the final ESSA guidance, along with other information, here.
