“A Message from Alaska Commissioner Johnson
ESSA is not Alaska’s vision for public education, but rather our goal is that it will support and nourish the vision of public education held by Alaska stakeholders.
Overview
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was passed by Congress and signed by the President in December 2015. ESSA reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and will replace No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Alaska’s current NCLB Flexibility Waiver. Alaska’s transition to, and implementation of, ESSA will be a thorough and thoughtful process informed by meaningful consultation with state and local education stakeholders.
ESSA requires that State Educational Agencies (SEAs) develop a State Plan addressing three components: Standards and Assessments; School, District, and State Accountability Systems; and School Support and Improvement.
SEAs must develop state plans “with timely and meaningful consultation with the Governor, members of the State legislature and State board of education, local educational agencies, representatives of Indian tribes located in the State, teachers, principals, other school leaders, charter school leaders, specialized instructional support personnel, paraprofessionals, administrators, other staff, and parents.” (Every Student Succeeds Act, Sec. 1111).”
Here you will also find a copy of Alaska’s first draft plan and how to participate in the review process prior to final submission.