Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA is an update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, formerly known as “No Child Left Behind”, that recognizes the need for schools to support the whole child and specifically acknowledges the importance of mental health and wellness.
ESSA created a new billion-dollar block grant, with a requirement that districts that receive significant block grant funds spend at least 20 percent of their funding on at least one activity that helps students be safe and healthy. The spending requirements tied to ESSA funds provide an opportunity to tackle health and wellness challenges for those schools that receive federal funds, often referred to as Title 1 schools.
Local School Wellness Policy
All school districts, as well as public charter, private charter and other private schools, participating in a federal meal reimbursement program fall under this requirement to adopt, implement, and regularly report on progress in meeting the goals of their Local School Wellness Policies.
Click here to learn more about Wellness Policies.
