ESSA & Education Updates - Nov / Dec 2025

What’s the Latest in the world of ESSA? Here are some actionable updates for district leaders and school principals.

1 | Federal Accountability & Assessment Updates

Federal monitoring teams have been more active this year, reviewing state ESSA plans and compliance around accountability indicators, subgroup reporting, and evidence-based interventions.

What you can do now:

  • Ensure your school improvement plans clearly show alignment to ESSA’s evidence-based tiers.

  • Double-check that student group data (ELs, SWDs, low-income, and racial/ethnic groups) is being accurately reported at the building level.

  • Prepare documentation demonstrating how your interventions meet ESSA evidence thresholds..

2 | High-Dosage Tutoring Supports Under ESSA

Many states have confirmed high-dosage tutoring qualifies as a Tier I or II evidence-based strategy when implemented consistently.

What you can do now:

  • Prioritize structured tutoring programs with at least 3 sessions/week.

  • Track student attendance and progress to strengthen your evidence base.

  • Use ESSA funds (Title I or III where applicable) to sustain tutoring efforts.

3 | Title I Updates

States are providing additional guidance on integrating Title I funds into schoolwide initiatives, especially related to literacy, math acceleration, and extended learning time.

What you can do now:

  • Revisit your Schoolwide Plan to ensure it incorporates current data trends.

  • Consider reallocating Title I funds to expand instructional coaching or intervention blocks.

  • Make sure parent engagement components meet ESSA’s “meaningful involvement” standards.

4 | Accountability for English Learners

States are refining EL progress indicators, especially around ACCESS/ELPA21 growth expectations.

What you can do now:

  • Check whether your EL subgroup is on track to meet state growth targets.

  • Provide targeted PD for content teachers on scaffolding and language integration.

  • Ensure EL data is included in schoolwide planning conversations, not isolated to ESL teams.

5 | ESSA Funding Reminders

Carryover limits for Title I, II, and IV remain in effect. Districts still sitting on unspent funds may risk forfeiture.

What you can do now:

  • Review spending against your district allocations before the fiscal year ends.

  • Identify quick-impact allowable expenses (PD, materials, supplemental curriculum, etc.).

  • Confirm that all purchases are tied to needs assessment findings.

Need Support?

Need help implementing these winter updates or more? Schedule a strategy call with The Above and Beyond Group to align your programs for optimal success under ESSA. Contact us!