Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Request for Public Comment by January 30, 2019

The S.C. Department of Education invites the public to comment on the state's ESSA plan, and to propose amendments to the plan and the state's accountability system. Amendments that would take effect in the 2018-19 school year must be completed by January 30, 2019, to allow for review by the Governor and submission to the U.S.Department of Education by its deadline of March 1, 2019. Please submit your comments via our online comment form.

Every Student Succeeds Act Approved in December 2015

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the latest reauthorization of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act and was approved by the U.S. Congress in December 2015. This law provides significant federal support for programs to serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Overview/Highlights:

Limits the power of the federal government to set education policy for states
Increases state flexibility to design accountability systems, interventions, and student supports
Increases state and local flexibility in the use of federal funds
Gives states flexibility to work with local stakeholders to develop educator evaluation and support systems
Maintains annual assessments for grades 3-8 and high school

The Plan:

South Carolina developed a Consolidated State Plan which will be implemented starting with the 2017-18 school year. Stakeholders and the public played an active role in the development of the ESSA State Plan prior to its submission to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on October 13, 2017.

The South Carolina Draft Consolidated State Plan was first posted for public comment and review on October 27, 2016.

Consolidated State Plan - Approved by USDE on May 3, 2018

USDE ESSA Approval Letter - May 3, 2018

The Consolidated State Plan Includes the Following Sections:

Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
Title I, Part C: Education of Migratory Children
Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
Title III, Part A, Subpart 1: English Language Acquisition and Language Enhancement
Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
Title IV, Part B: 21^st Century Community Learning Centers
Title V, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income School Program
Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title VII, Subtitle B