The Every Student Succeeds Act
In December 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law, replacing No Child Left Behind (NCLB). ESSA makes some significant changes to current law that will impact specific policies and practices at the state, local, and school building level. NASP will need the help of school psychologists in making sure that states and districts implement high quality evidence based school improvement efforts, that utilize the skills and expertise of school psychologists. In order to leverage this opportunity, it is important that school psychologists understand the major provisions in this law so that we can advocate for effective policy and practice.
Moving From NCLB to ESSA: Federal Guidance and Regulations
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) makes significant changes to policies and practices currently mandated by No Child Left Behind. ESSA takes effect in the 2017-2018 school year, and many states and disrricts will have to make significant changes to comply with the law. The Department of Education has resources to help states transition to ESSA. Further, the regulatory process, which specifies how certain parts of the law must be implemented, began in January 2015. NASP is working with various federal agencies to ensure that the importance of comprehensive school psychological services is recognized in regulation, guidance documents, and technical assistance materials relesaed by the Department of Education.
Resources for State and Local Implementation
ESSA presents significant opportunities for states and districts to improve school and student outcomes by implementing comprehensive school psychological services within multitiered systems of support. To maximize the potential offered in ESSA school psychologists must: 1) have an understanding of the key components of ESSA; 2) understand how MTSS supports effective schools and student success; and 3) communicate the specific services we provide to improve school and student outcomes. NASP has resources to support your efforts.
NASP Advocacy Social Media Guide
NASP has developed an "Advocacy Social Media" guide to help state associations improve their Facebook and Twitter pages. The guide also includes tips on how people can advocate on their personal accounts.
Webinar: ESSA and School Psychology
This webinar, the first in a series, provides an oveview of ESSA as it relates to school psychologists and comprehensive school psychological services. Stay tuned for additional opportunites to discuss ESSA and how school psychologists can shape implementation.
School Psychologists and ESSA (Video)
