The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is asking for public comment on Missouri’s consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The plan provides the path by which programs and funds associated with ESSA are administered. The comment period is open until July 15, 2017.

ESSA is designed to ensure that all students have a significant opportunity to have a fair and equitable high-quality education and to close educational achievement gaps. These programs provide assistance to rural- and low-income schools and services to students who are migrants, at-risk (including neglected and delinquent), homeless and English learners. In addition, the programs provide assistance to 21^st Century Learning Centers and professional development for teachers and leaders.

“When we began work on Missouri’s comprehensive plan, we looked at our end goals,” said Dr. Chris Neale, assistant commissioner in the Office of Quality Schools. “Our goals are making sure that all Missouri students are ready to succeed in school and in life, that excellent educators are leading our schools and classrooms, and that every school has the support it needs for continuous improvement.”

DESE will submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Education in September.