Resource
State Systems of Identification and Support under ESSA: A Focus on Designing and Revising Systems of School Identification
November 2017
Description
The report "Designing State Systems of Identification and Support under ESSA," authored by Susan Lyons, Juan D’Brot, and Erika Landl for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), provides a comprehensive overview of developing and revising systems for school identification and support under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The report focuses on clarifying statutory requirements and offers strategic guidance for states in designing systems that identify schools in need of Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support (ATSI).
The first part of the report details the federal law's requirements and provides annotated excerpts of ESSA language, offering clarity on legal obligations. The second part emphasizes the importance of aligning school identification systems with each state's theory of action and available resources. It outlines various policy levers and strategies states can use to create coherent and effective identification schemes.
Key recommendations include defining consistently underperforming subgroups, determining the timing and frequency of school identification, and establishing exit criteria for identified schools. The report also discusses the need for states to develop robust systems of support and intervention for identified schools, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with state-specific goals and capacities.
This report serves as a critical resource for state education agencies, providing actionable insights and practical guidance to design and implement effective school identification and support systems under ESSA.
