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Student Assessment
In accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must ensure that all eligible private school children, teachers, and other educational personnel have an equitable opportunity to participate in certain services and programs as mandated by the Act, including programs under Titles II-A, III-A, and IV-A.
Many private schools receive equitable services through consultation with local public-school districts, which are subrecipients of ESSA funds. In addition to the services that local school district provide, private schools may also access services directly through DESE: these are known as "State-Level Equitable Services" (SLES). To better understand and address the needs of private schools, DESE conducts comprehensive needs assessments on a regular basis. These assessments guide the development of offerings to ensure they reflect private schools' priorities.
State Level Equitable Services Needs Assessment — FY25
State Level Equitable Services Needs Assessment — FY25 — Summary of Results
State Level Equitable Services Needs Assessment — FY24
State Level Equitable Services Needs Assessment — FY24 — Summary of Results
DESE administers State-Level Equitable Services (SLES) through an annual competitive application process that allows eligible private schools to request support aligned with their data analysis of student and teacher needs. Schools identify select from a menu of services and DESE procures a select group of state-approved vendors to deliver professional development, coaching, and technical assistance. All services must align with the school's approved application and the federal allowable uses of funds. DESE pays vendors directly for eligible services, ensuring resources are used equitably, responsibly, and with the greatest impact for educators and students statewide. The program is designed to optimize the use of ESSA State Activities funds and ensure that the services provided are well aligned with the priorities identified by the nonpublic schools.
DESE is committed to facilitating effective and efficient access to resources, providing equitable opportunities for educational enhancement for all eligible nonpublic schools.
WIDA Professional Development — Cultural and Linguistic Needs
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Description: WIDA professional development provides great information and strategies to support multilingual learners in Massachusetts public schools. These DESE sponsored courses are available at no cost to participants and are perfect for teams of teachers seeking impactful collaboration to support students' access to rigorous course content. For more information about DESE-sponsored WIDA PD offerings, please contact David Parker.
Type: Virtual
Date(s): Ongoing
Cost: No Cost
Contact: David.E.Parker@mass.gov
Under ESSA, each state must designate an ombudsman to monitor and ensure ESEA equitable services requirements are carried out under both Title I and Title VIII (comprising Titles II-A, III-A, and Title IV-A&B) of the law.
Ombudsman Contact Information: Alex Lilley ESEAequitableservices@mass.gov
Last Updated: September 26, 2025