POLICY PAPERS

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes a provision championed by Chiefs for Change that will address the access gaps that exist in far too many of our highest need schools and provide students and families with meaningful instructional choices to support their learning. The provision – Direct Student Services (DSS) – allows states to set aside 3% of Title I funding and award this to districts with a high number of schools identified for improvement that are committed to offering more meaningful learning opportunities, activities, courses, and services not otherwise available to students.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes a new innovative provision championed by Chiefs for Change enabling families of students who attend struggling schools to obtain Direct Student Services (DSS). These services encompass a wide range of individualized academic opportunities and build upon efforts several states have taken in recent years to expand parental choice options as a way to improve student academic achievement. Direct Student Services may be supported through a 3% discretionary state reservation of Title I funding. While nearly all funds designated for DSS must be awarded to districts, states have the opportunity to play a large role in creating a broader vision for how these resources can help leverage efforts of districts to increase school success and improve student outcomes – bringing value to teachers, families, students, and taxpayers.