ESSA and the LEARN Act

The Every Student Succeeds Act makes an important shift in how we improve student achievement in reading and writing from birth through grade twelve by recognizing that literacy attainment begins before students enter school and continues into the secondary years after third grade. These skills are necessary to ensure that students are college and career ready when they graduate from high school.

Key Provisions

• States can obtain federal support for LEA efforts to deliver comprehensive and high-quality literacy instruction. Funding is provided through a competitive grant process to develop and implement state-led comprehensive literacy plans.
• Funding must be allocated equitably for state and local programs and activities. This ensures the comprehensive nature of this program. A minimum of 15% must be for children from birth through kindergarten entry, 40% for kindergarten through grade 5 students, and 40% for grades 6 through 12 students.
• Comprehensive literacy plans must be developed and revised in conjunction with state literacy teams. Birth through kindergarten entry plans must be developed in conjunction with appropriate state agencies responsible for administering early childhood education and childhood care programs.
• Funds can be used for: development of comprehensive literacy plans; professional development for educators, paraprofessionals, SISP, specialists, school librarians, and school leaders; coordination with early childhood educators; collaborative literacy instruction planning time for educators; assessment of program quality; and engagement of stakeholders in supporting literacy experiences and practices.
• Innovative approaches to literacy are supported through awards of grants or contracts, or through competitive grants. This includes developing/enhancing school library programs; providing early literacy services; and providing books to students in low-income communities.