New Jersey Department of Education

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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in New Jersey

NJDOE ESSA Resources and Webpages

The reauthorization of ESEA in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) expanded and clarified how federal funds received under the law may be used.  As the NJDOE plans to implement ESSA in New Jersey, it is committed to helping school districts use their federal funds for the programs and services students need most. 

After reviewing the links on this page, if you have questions about any specific funding source under ESSA, please contact the appropriate office.

NJDOE ESSA-Specific Resources

  • Local Stakeholder Engagement Guidance: Provides district and school leaders with a guide for ways to engage local stakeholders to address the needs of students in an ongoing and meaningful way, particularly as it relates to the requirements under ESSA. Information provided in this guide is designed to align to the Annual School Planning process required for most New Jersey schools. Consultation with stakeholders is also required under ESSA whenever a local education agency receives federal funding.

  • NJDOE ESEA District Guide: Provides an overview of Title I, Title II-A, Title III, and Title IV-A with a focus on how different federal funding sources may be used to meet identified student needs. Also contains information on needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, grant timelines, and consultation requirements.
  • Unlocking Your Federal Funds: Describes district funding flexibilities under ESSA and provides specific examples of how federal funds can be used independently or combined with other funding sources to support specific initiatives such as reducing rates of chronic absenteeism, improving Algebra I outcomes and grade-level literacy, implementing the NJ Tired System of Supports (NJTSS), improving school climate, and improving access to job-embedded professional development.
  • School District ESSA Planning Template (PDF | Word)

Related ESSA Webpages