AUSTIN – Commissioner of Education Mike Morath today advised that the public comment period for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan for Texas ends Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. 

Comments can be submitted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA)via email at essa@tea.texas.gov. The draft plan can be viewed at http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/ESSA/Every_Student_Succeeds_Act. 

ESSA became law in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. The new law increases flexibility and decision-making authority afforded states, encourages states and schools to be innovative, and holds states accountable for results. 

ESSA requires federal review and approval of a state consolidated plan, which provides a comprehensive overview of how each state will use federal funds to advance its own goals and visions of success for students. Highlights of the plan include:

• Alignment of state and federal policies – specifically in the areas of accountability and school improvement.
• Maximizing flexibility afforded Texas school districts to provide services needed for students.
• Strengthening the state’s commitment and support for our most vulnerable populations (including migrant, foster care, homeless, and economically disadvantaged students).
• Reinforcing the state’s commitment to the 60x30 plan (developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board) by aligning long-term academic goals to having 60 percent of students prepared to earn a certificate or degree by the year 2030. 

The ESSA consolidated state plan will be submitted by TEA to the U.S. Department of Education in September. 

For more information regarding ESSA implementation in Texas, visit the TEA website at http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/ESSA/Every_Student_Succeeds_Act.

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