Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

This fact sheet discusses the potential implications of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on State assessment and accountability systems. This fact sheet also addresses other considerations regarding the use of Federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). We know that you are doing all in your power to support your districts and schools to ensure the health and well-being of students and educators. Like you, we are closely monitoring the situation around the country and will provide additional information as warranted. We encourage you to review information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can be found on the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department’s) COVID-19 website at: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus. In particular, the CDC has issued interim guidance to help K-12 schools and childcare programs plan for and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff. See Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html.