What is ESSA?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a law that outlines how states can use federal money to support public schools. In January 2018, the federal government approved New York State’s plan to spend the approximately $1.6 billion the state receives annually under ESSA.
Why does it matter?
New York State is committed to ensuring that all students succeed and thrive in school no matter who they are, where they live, where they go to school, or where they come from. Since fall 2016, New York State asked for feedback to design a plan that improves equity, access, and opportunity for all students.
What do parents need to know?
Parents and families should know how their child’s school is performing in many areas, not just academic subjects.
Schools and districts will be measured annually on these indicators:
For all schools:
- English language arts
- Math
- Science
- Progress in learning English (for those who are learning English as an additional language)
- Chronic absenteeism (absent 10% or more instructional days)
For high schools:
- Social studies
- Graduation rate
- College, career, and civic readiness index: taking advanced coursework, earning technical education certificates, etc.
Future indicators
- Out-of-school suspensions (beginning with 2018-19 results)
- Being ready for high school (once data becomes available)