TEA Submits Final ESSA State Plan To U.S. Department Of Education

The new law, Every Student Succeeds Act, increases flexibility and decision-making authority afforded to states, encourages innovation, and holds states accountable for results…

AUSTIN – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally submitted to the U.S. Department of Education the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated plan.

The state plan, submitted on March 6, 2018, represents the final version to be reviewed by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Following an extensive public comment period on an initial draft last year, TEA submitted a plan to federal officials in September 2017. Since that time, TEA and Department of Education staff have been in ongoing conversations to answer questions on the Texas plan and revise specific provisions, when necessary. 

Specific highlights of the final consolidated state plan include:

• Maintaining rigorous, yet achievable goals for all student groups
• Creating stronger alignment between all state and federal program areas;
• Shifting the proficiency level for students from the “Approaches” label on State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to the “Meets” label; and
• Better aligning of federal funding with priorities within TEA’s strategic plan.

ESSA became law in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. 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.

The new law increases flexibility and decision-making authority afforded to states, encourages innovation, 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.

As part of the ESSA process, Texas’ consolidated state plan will be presented to Secretary DeVos for her review. There is no announced timeframe for a final decision by the Secretary. 

For more information regarding ESSA implementation in Texas and to view the state plan submitted to the federal government, visit the TEA website at http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/ESSA/Every_Student_Succeeds_Act/.

Find more information on the Every Child Succeeds Act;

• Fact Sheet
• Secretary DeVos Letter regarding updated consolidated State plans(March 13, 2017)
• Secretary DeVos’ Letter to States regarding consolidated State plans (February 10, 2017)
• ESSA technical assistance resources