ESSA Resources

What is ESSA?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and shifts greater authority for academic standards, school accountability, and education policy back to states and districts. Local affiliates are the catalyst to lead and engage members in the ESSA implementation process. ESSA requires school districts to give teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) a seat at the table as the district works to develop their local plans.

All districts are required to submit local plans that include, for example, descriptions of how it will meet responsibilities related to school improvement and student achievement, support efforts to reduce the overuse of discipline practices that remove students from the classroom, and ensure that the district is following all federal laws. Local plans are due to the state by June 2017. Association staff may help their members by supporting the following next steps.