ESSA Action Guides

Signed into law in 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a commitment by Congress and the U.S. Department of Education to equal educational opportunity for all American students. As states continue to implement ESSA programs, AIR is providing a series of action guides to support and inform education leaders. Each guide provides specific steps leaders can follow—and a list of helpful resources—to guide them through implementing different elements of ESSA. 

Topics in the series include evidence-based practices, financial transparency, conditions for learning and social and emotional learning, continuous improvement cycles, and leveraging Title IV funding for student support and academic enrichment.

Looking for guidance on implementing your ESSA plan? Email us at ESSAsolutions@air.org.

Topics in the Series

Selecting Evidence-Based Practices for Low-Performing Schools
Action Guide │Resources

Evidence-based practices are incorporated throughout ESSA, but choosing the right one can be complicated. AIR experts outline how to choose evidence-based practices that not only meet ESSA requirements but also fit their local and school-specific needs.

Using ESSA to Improve School Funding Fairness
Action Guide │Resources

ESSA provides a variety of opportunities for education leaders to assess and adjust how they spend their funding, specifically related to equity. This guide provides guidance for education leaders to ensure their resources are allocated fairly—with the ultimate goal of closing achievement gaps and improving outcomes for all students.

Forthcoming guides will address topics including:

• Conditions for Learning and Social and Emotional Learning
• Continuous Improvement Cycles
• Leveraging Title IV Funding for Student Support and Academic Enrichment