Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal education law which includes both requirements and a great deal of flexibility for states in a number of key areas. This act, passed in 2015, reauthorized the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), replacing No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

 

Rhode Island's ESSA State Plan

Rhode Island’s ESSA State Plan is a consolidated plan RIDE submits to the U.S. Department of Education for approval, detailing how the state will meet certain federal requirements under ESSA such as academic standards, accountability, support for school improvement, student and educator support, and use of federal education funds. The U.S. Department of Education permits states to update their ESSA State Plans through an amendment process.



Rhode Island’s most recent ESSA State Plan amendment included adjustments to the state’s school accountability system, such as the addition of Science Proficiency as an indicator, moving to biennial Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) identifications, and some short-term changes due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education approved this plan in December 2023.

 

Prior Versions, Addendums, and Waivers to Rhode Island’s ESSA State Plan

 

Documents from Initial ESSA State Plan Development Process