Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

On Dec. 10, 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 while replacing the previous federal education law of "No Child Left Behind." Passed with strong bipartisan support, ESSA represents a shift from broad federal oversight of primary and secondary education by extending greater flexibility and decision-making at the state and local levels.

Ohio's ESSA Plan

Beginning in spring 2016, Ohio collected stakeholder engagement feedback from thousands of citizens on the state’s plan for using funds set aside by ESSA. The Ohio Department of Education submitted Ohio’s Board-approved ESSA plan to the U.S. Department of Education on September 15, 2017, and the U.S. Department of Education approved the plan on January 16, 2018. 

In 2021, significant reforms were made to Ohio's school accountability system as part of House Bill 82. These changes were a result of years of collaborative research and design by education stakeholders, including the major education associations, business community and the General Assembly. With the changes to Ohio School Report Cards  came the need for slight revisions to Ohio's ESSA plan in the areas of accountability and school improvement identification. 

The Department collected additional stakeholder feedback and submitted the revised ESSA plan to the U.S. Department of Education on June 17, 2022. The U.S. Department of Education approved Ohio's Amended Consolidated State ESSA plan on June 13, 2023. 

• Ohio's State ESSA Plan (June 13, 2023)
  • ​Appendix A: Measurements of Interim Progress for Long-Term Goals
  • Appendix C: ESSA Report Card User Guide and Technical Documentation
• Ohio's ESSA Plan Approval Letter from the U.S. Department of Education
• ESSA Plan and Waivers 

---

Federal Accountability 

ESSA provides each state with flexibility to designate and serve schools in need of support. Visit the District Supports page to learn more about the federal idenfication process and supports for schools in Ohio. 

---

Additional ESSA Resources

• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Summary
• Overview: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) | Webcast
• Comparison of Selected Elements of ESEA, NCLB v. ESSA

Last Modified: 7/12/2023 11:50:10 AM

---