The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed December 10, 2015. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.  The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.

ESSA includes provisions that will help to ensure success for students and schools. Some of the features included in the law are: 

• advances equity by upholding critical protections for America's disadvantaged and high-need students,
• requires that all students in America be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers,
• ensures that vital information is provided to all stakeholders concerning annual statewide assessments that measure students' progress,
• helps to support and grow local innovations,
• maintains an expectation that there will be accountability and action to effect positive change in our lowest-performing schools.

Title I schools now implement specific programs and interventions and academic progress is reported using the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI). The CCRPI serves as a comprehensive report card for all schools in Georgia.

The office of Federal Programs works with all six schools in Decatur County to strategically plan for school improvement and increase student achievement. 

Title I provides federal funds through GaDOE to public schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income students, based on free and reduced lunch data, to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic content and student achievement standards.

For additional information about Title I, please contact Chip Davis, Director of Federal Programs, at 229-248-2835.