The US Department of Education notified the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) August 9, that the State’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan was approved. New Jersey’s approval follows the approval of Delaware’s plan earlier this month as well as the simultaneous approval of Nevada and New Mexico’s plans.
- Secretary Determination Letter
- Presentation (Overview) of Plan
- Revised State Accountability Plan (revised July 2017)
- Feedback to Feds
- Overview webpage (for videos and a PowerPoint presentation)
- ESSA guidance for school districts
Background
New Jersey submitted its initial plan in April of this year, after taking comment from the field, including NJPSA. In July the State was required to respond to several questions and modify the plan as based upon input from the federal government (NJDOE Resubmits ESSA Plan to Feds, July 2017). The Association participated in the process by serving on stakeholder focus groups, in addition to providing feedback to the Department officially (NJPSA Comment).
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. ESSA is meant to ensure that all students have equitable access to high-quality educational resources and opportunities, as well as to close educational achievement gaps.
If you have any questions about ESSA, please emailgovernmentrelations@njpsa.org.