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On Dec. 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of this reauthorization, every state is required to submit a plan that addresses specific components of the law. ESSA is focused on equitable access to education, high standards and accountability and a decrease in achievement gaps across student groups – including students with disabilities, students who are economically disadvantaged, students from major ethnic and racial groups, English learners, students of military connected families, as well as students who are migrant, homeless or in foster care.
Iowa’s consolidated ESSA Plan serves as the foundation of the Iowa Department of Education’s support for students, educators and schools. Although it is a requirement, we have used this as an opportunity to not only align our work, but also as a vehicle to reinforce our commitment to equity, educational excellence and coordination of programs and support services.
Back to topESSA Plan
The State of Iowa’s ESSA plan was submitted for approval to the U.S. Department of Education in May 2024 after feedback from the field of educators in Iowa. The plan was approved in August 2024.
Approved Updated State Plan for ESSA
Feedback
The Iowa Department of Education collected feedback from multiple stakeholders across the state on Iowa’s proposed ESSA plan prior to approval from the U.S. Department of Education. The outreach effort included nine Superintendent Network meetings, Statewide Curriculum Network Meetings, as well as public comments through online feedback surveys and emails.
Previous Versions of Iowa's ESSA Plan
- Approved Initial State Plan for ESSA
- U.S. Department of Education Approval Letter for Initial ESSA Plan
Iowa School Performance Profiles
Iowa School Performance Profiles is an online tool showing how public schools have performed on multiple measures. The website meets federal and state requirements for publishing online school report cards, including the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, and House File 215, adopted by Iowa lawmakers in 2013.
The website includes scores on a set of accountability measures required under ESSA, as well as ratings based on the scores and identification of schools for support and improvement (Comprehensive and Targeted) based on the scores.
Back to topESSA Guidance & Allocations
The ESSA Guidance and Allocations webpage provides federal program contact information, up-to-date program-specific guidance and general ESSA resources to help implement and apply for federal funds.
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