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ESSA

On December 10, 2015, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was signed into law. ESSA is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). ESSA replaces its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).).  ESSA includes provisions that will help to ensure success for all students.  It became effective on July 1, 2017.
 
ESSA offers LEAs greater flexibility for using federal funds to effectively implement comprehensive, districtwide research-based initiatives that maximize student academic outcomes, particularly for those students at risk of not meeting challenging state academic assessment standards. 
 
ESSA renews the U.S. Department of Education's emphasis on comprehensive needs assessments and improvement planning. The new regulations increase LEAs’ responsibilities for monitoring student outcomes, coordinated use of federal funds, and for offering high-quality guidance and technical assistance to schools engaged in continuous improvement planning. 
 
The primary function of ESSA is to close the achievement gap between groups of students by requiring greater accountability and offering increased flexibility and choice. ESSA includes Title I-A, Title I-C, Title I-D, Title II, Title III-A, and Title IV.
 
Some highlights of ESSA:
  • Advances equity by upholding critical protections for high-need students 
  • Enhanced expectations for college and career preparation
  • Ensures that statewide assessments provide information to educators, students, families and communities
  • Increases access to high-quality preschool
  • Maintains accountability expectations for low-performing schools
  • Supports evidence-based interventions
Program Resources
 
 
TEA and Statewide Initiative Links
The purpose of Title II, Part A is to increase student achievement consistent with the challenging State academic standards; improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders; increase the number of effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.  The intent of the funding is to support educators in their work to improve the overall quality of instruction and ensure equity of educational opportunity for all students.
 
Program Resources
 
TEA Links
 
Educational Specialists, Mindy Milbern and Johnette Stribling, provide technical assistance and training for Title II, Part A.
Title III, Part A aims to ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English.
 
Program Resources
 
TEA Links
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 0f 2015, established Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program (SSAE).  The overarching goal of Title IV, Part A, is to increase the capacity of state education agencies, local education agencies (LEAs), campuses, and communities to meet the following three goals:
  1. Provide all students access to a well-rounded education
  2. Improve academic outcomes by maintaining safe and healthy students
  3. Improve the use of technology to advance student academic achievement
Program Resources
 
TEA and Statewide Initiative Links