ESSA and Equitable Participation

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) modifies provisions related to the participation of private school students, teachers, and parents in federally funded services.

Opportunity & Action for Every Student

By: National Education Association Published: June 25, 2020

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) modifies provisions related to the participation of private school students, teachers, and parents in federally funded services.

The federal government has provided for the participation of private school students in education programs since 1965, when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was originally enacted.

Reauthorizations since then have modified the funding allocation, required timely and meaningful consultation with private school officials, and expanded the number of programs to which equitable participation applies.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), equitable participation applies to the following programs:

School districts must consult with private school officials regarding issues such as:

Funding is allocated prior to any allowable expenditures or transfers, and states must also now designate an ombudsman to monitor and enforce program requirements.

The following provisions remain in place: