Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - Archive

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) developed a draft state plan after reviewing and considering the feedback we received in our initial public input window last summer and over the course of the last year. It was posted for public comment June 30-July 31, 2017. We are analyzing your feedback and revising the draft state plan accordingly before providing to Governor Rick Scott, as required. Finally, by September 18, the deadline set by the federal government, we will submit the state plan to the U.S. Department of Education.

The format of the plan is the U.S. Department of Education state plan template, which is organized into nine sections:

1. Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
2. Title I, Part C: Education of Migratory Children
3. Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
4. Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
5. Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement
6. Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
7. Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers
8. Title V, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income School Program
9. Title VII, Subpart B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program

The United States Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and then it was signed into law on December 10, 2015, amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ESSA increases state authority on standards, assessments and interventions, and adds specific restrictions to the United States Secretary of Education's involvement in state decisions. States will be making decisions and exercising flexibility accordingly. To ensure Florida’s education stakeholders have the latest information on implementation decisions, please sign up for updates using the link at the bottom of the page.

Public Input

The department held a first round of public input from June 21-July 22, 2016, on the components of ESSA in order to engage stakeholders around the topics of the revised law. A third party reviewed each comment and produced a summary report. Additional opportunities for public input will be announced.

Summary Report (PDF)

Survey Results – Challenging State Academic Standards (Excel)

Survey Results – Academic Assessments (Excel)

Survey Results – State Assessment Grants (Excel)

Survey Results – Statewide Accountability System (Excel)

Survey Results – School Improvement (Excel)

Survey Results – School Support and Improvement Activities (Excel)

Survey Results – Direct Student Services (Excel)

Survey Results – General Comments by Title of the Act (Titles I-VIII) (Excel)

Survey Results – U.S. DOE Draft Regulations on Accountability, State Plans and Data Reporting (Excel)

Resources

• FDOE Memo on ESSA Updates (PDF) (posted December 19, 2016)
• FDOE Memo on ESSA Foster Care Requirements (PDF) (posted October 28, 2016)
  • LEA Checklist (PDF)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• FDOE Memo on ESSA Updates (PDF) (posted September 23, 2016)
• FDOE Memo on ESSA Update and Public Input Plan (PDF) (posted June 6, 2016)
• FDOE Frequently Asked Questions (Word) (posted March 18, 2016)
• FDOE Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Highly Qualified Teachers (Word) (posted June 2, 2016)
• FDOE Memo on Updating Qualifications for Assignment of Instructional Personnel (PDF) (March 3, 2017)
• U.S. Department of Education State Plan Template (Word)
• U.S. Department of Education ESSA Information and Regulations
• U.S. Department ESSA Transition FAQs (PDF) (updated January 18, 2017)
• U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Non-Regulatory Guidance on Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Using Evidence to Strengthen Education Investments
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on English Learners and Title III (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Building Systems of Support for Excellent Teaching and Leading (Title II, Part A)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Supporting School Reform by Leveraging Federal Funds in a Schoolwide Program (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Early Learning (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Fiscal Changes and Equitable Services Requirements
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Assessments (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Consolidated State Plans (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on State and Local Report Cards (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on High School Graduation Rate (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program (PDF)
• Sign up for FDOE ESSA email updates
• Questions? Email FDOE at ESSA@fldoe.org.