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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

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Financial Transparency

Building-level financial transparency under ESSA will help those interested in education learn more about the equity and effectiveness of our federal, state, and local educational resources. It is critical that Local Education Agencies maximize every dollar to provide the best opportunities and improve outcomes for our students. Fiscal transparency reports outline how much each school is spending per student and the source of the funds. These fiscal transparency reports inform conversations within districts about whether equitable resources are being provided at the school level. At the state level, these reports will help inform future Board of Regents policymaking decisions.

To strengthen the data that has been collected via the ESSA requirements, the National Center for Education Statistics within the U.S. Department of Education, along with the Office for Civil Rights, have implemented a new requirement, the School Level Finance Survey (SLFS). The SLFS will allow for more detail and continuity in reporting data at the school level so that expenditures can be compared on a local, state, and national level.

Beginning in Fall 2024, data collection of SY 2023-2024 expenditures for the ESSA Financial Transparency Requirement (ESSA) will combine with data collection for the School Level Finance Survey (SLFS). The data collected on the combined ESSA/SLFS report will be used to satisfy both federally-mandated financial reporting requirements.

ESSA Financial Transparency Guidance

State Resources

USDE Guidance

Opportunities and Responsibilities for State and Local Report Cards Under ESSA