California's draft Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan is now open for public comment. As the plan was reviewed, five primary things came into focus. This report discusses how the state did, what is in the plan and what still needs to be done to strengthen protections and services for low-income students, students of color, and other traditionally under served populations. Over all the plan appears to be thin on details, falls short on equity, and makes foo few commitments. The good news is that state has the opportunity to make changes before submitting the plan to the U.S. Department of Education in September of 2017. This report offers recommendations for what needs to be done to improve the plan. Five key issues the state needs to focus upon include: (1) Ambitious, long-term goals for student success; (2) Overall performance as compared with other schools; (3) A meaningful plan for school improvement; (4) A plan to address resource inequities; and (5) A plan that addresses educator equity. The ESSA plan presents an opportunity for California to articulate how "The California Way" will close opportunity and achievement gaps, so that all students can succeed in school, college, and life. With the changes recommended here the hope is that California leaders can better communicate their commitment to equity.