Laws & Guidance

Legislation, regulations, guidance, and other policy documents can be found here for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and other topics.

Please note that in the U.S., the federal role in education is limited. Because of the Tenth Amendment, most education policy is decided at the state and local levels. So, if you have a question about a policy or issue, you may want to check with the relevant organization in your state or school district.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended

• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Information page
• Text of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended through 12/27/22: PDF (1.2M) | Text (3.3M)
• Guidance and Regulations

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Civil Rights

• Disability Discrimination (Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act)
  • Section 504 FAQ