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ESSA
ESSA Overview
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law on December 10, 2015, reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, reaffirming the federal commitment to equity in K–12 education.
ESSA shifts much of the accountability responsibility from the federal level to states and districts, while still maintaining annual standardized testing in reading/language arts and math (grades 3–8 and high school), along with graduation rates and English proficiency.
ESSA’s Title I programs aim to close achievement gaps by providing funding and support to high‑need schools through services that address needs of low‑income students, English learners, students with disabilities, and foster student success. These funds require comprehensive needs assessments, campus improvement planning, and strong parental and family engagement strategies.
Title III focuses specifically on English Learners (ELs), mandating that districts use Title III funds to support EL students in attaining English proficiency and meeting state academic requirements. It also requires professional development for educators and active engagement of parents, families, and communities.
At ESC Region 3, these ESSA frameworks inform our supports in:
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Federal accountability, including understanding and implementing requirements for ESEA and ESSA, as well as addressing Texas Title I Priority schools and federal/state accountability systems.
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The Title I program under ESSA is comprised of components: Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals, Parental and Family Engagement, Fiscal Planning, Comprehensive Needs Assessments, Campus Improvement Plans, and Private-Non-Profit Schools. Region 3 offers Professional Development in these areas, as well as Compliance, Applications, Homelessness/foster Care, Parent Notifications, School Support Teams, School Improvement, and other trainings for administrators and federal program directors.
Why It Matters for ESC Region 3 Districts
- Flexibility...
for Texas districts to tailor improvement plans and accountability systems to local contexts while maintaining consistent federal oversight.
- Targeted Investments...
in ELs, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities to ensure equity and access.
- Support...
for districts in meeting compliance, building capacity, and driving school improvement efforts aligned with state and federal expectations.
