Understanding ESSA: A Parents’ Guide to the Nation’s Landmark Education Law

(2018, August) | Useful to Parent Centers for sharing with the families they serve, to better parental understanding of ESSA and their role in advocating for how it is implemented in their state.

This 19-page Parents’ Guide to ESSA comes from the U.S. Department of Education with the stated purpose of helping parents understand the flexibility provided to states and school districts in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

“We know that parents are the most important advocates for their children. Because States and school districts have significant flexibility in how they meet the requirements of the law, you have an opportunity to influence how they use that flexibility to best help your child. We hope that this document empowers you with information that will help you advocate for better education for your child and every child in your State and district and help you make the right choices for your family.” (p. 2)

The guide is divided into 8 easy-to-read sections, with the same format for each (In a Nutshell and What That Means for You). The topics discussed are:

• Tests
• Accountability
• School Support and Improvement
• Student-Focused Activities
• Charter Schools
• Funding Flexibility
• Supporting Local Reform
• Resources

Access the guide at:
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/essa-flex.pdf