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Reimagine Phase ESSA Plan Proposals

Beyond the current Rebuild Phase, which will end after the 2024-25 school year, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has collaborated with stakeholders, consulted with educational experts, and reviewed feedback from the Restart and Rebuild Phases of New York State's accountability system to plan for the transition into the Reimagine Phase, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year. NYSED has prepared proposals to amend the accountability section of the New York State Consolidated Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

NYSED invites stakeholders to review the following materials in order to provide feedback on the proposed amendments. NYSED will continuously review feedback prior to submitting a final amendment proposal to the United States Department of Education (USDE). Upon response from USDE, a final updated version of the New York State approved ESSA plan will be posted on the New York State ESSA Plan page.  

Questions regarding the Reimagine Phase can be directed to accountinfo@nysed.gov

2025-26 Reimagine Phase ESSA Plan Proposal

The proposed amendments initiate the first part of the Reimagine Phase of the accountability system, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year using 2024-25 school year results.  

A redline draft version of the New York State consolidated State plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) can be found here. The redline amendments can be found on pages 1-144 and 222-238 of the plan. 

2025-26 Redline Draft of the New York State Consolidated State Plan under ESSA

Incorporating input from educational experts and stakeholders, including public comment from a recent survey that closed on May 31, 2024 and public comment received via email through Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the proposed amendments include:  

  • Modifications to components from the two-year Rebuild Phase, such as accountability indicators, identification criteria, and exit criteria;  
  • Reintroduction of the elementary/middle level Growth and high school level College, Career, and Civic Readiness (CCCR) accountability indicators; and 
  • Replacement of Chronic Absenteeism indicator with a new Attendance indicator. 

The “Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Accountability Reimagine Phase” informational webinar available below also provides information about the proposed Reimagine Phase.  

Questions about the New York State accountability system can be sent to AccountInfo@nysed.gov

ESSA Accountability Reimagine Phase Resources

The following resources explain the proposed amendments to the accountability section of New York State's ESSA Plan for the upcoming Reimagine Phase, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year using 2024-25 school year results. 

Reimagine Resources Chapters Presentation Slides
Meeting of the New York State Board of Regents - October 7, 2024 Presentation Slides

"Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Accountability Reimagine Phase" webinar Vimeo link

Webinar Presentation Slides