Every Student Succeeds Act
On Dec. 10, 2015, President Obama signed into law the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This reauthorization, known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), replaces the previous version of the law enacted in 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act.
The ESSA requires all states to have a plan for education that addresses major federal requirements. South Dakota's state plan was developed over the course of more than a year, with input from stakeholders across the state, including educators, parents, students, legislators, tribal representatives, representatives of higher education and others.
The department is applying to the US Department of Education for an Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) waiver of certain ESSA requirements. See the proposed waiver for details; public comments are due by 5 p.m. CT on July 15. Comments can be submitted using this link or mailed to: Shannon Malone, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501.