Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Equitable Services refer to provisions ensuring that private school students, teachers, and other educational personnel receive benefits comparable to those in public schools. These services aim to level the playing field by making federal resources available to students who attend private (often faith-based) schools, particularly low-income or disadvantaged students, ensuring they get the same educational opportunities as their public school counterparts.

 

Here are the key points about equitable services under ESSA:

1. Eligibility: Equitable services apply to students in private schools, but only when they reside within the boundaries of a public school district that receives federal Title I funding or other federal funding under ESSA.

 

2. Services Provided: These services can include academic support, instructional materials, professional development for teachers, and family engagement activities. The services must be secular, neutral, and non-ideological.

 

3. Titles Included:
   - Title I: Academic support for students in low-income families to ensure they meet challenging state standards.
   - Title II: Professional development for teachers and principals.
   - Title III: Support for English learners and immigrant students.
   - Title IV: A broader category that can include student health and safety programs, technology integration, and well-rounded educational opportunities.

 

4. Consultation Requirement: Public school districts must engage in **timely and meaningful consultation** with private school officials to determine the needs of private school students and how to deliver services equitably.

 

5. Funding: A portion of federal funds that public school districts receive is set aside to provide services for eligible private school students, based on their proportionate share.

 

6. Control of Funds: Although services are provided to private schools, the public school district retains control of the federal funds and is responsible for ensuring that services are implemented properly.