Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law passed in 2015 that governs K-12 public education and aims to ensure all students receive a high-quality education. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasizes state control over education policy, while still holding schools accountable for student performance. ESSA addresses issues within the public education system, including educational inequality, by focusing on equitable access to educational resources and opportunities for all students.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA gives states more flexibility in designing their own accountability systems while still requiring them to monitor student progress.
2. The law emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of disadvantaged and underserved students, aiming to close achievement gaps.
3. Under ESSA, states must develop plans that include measures for academic achievement, school quality, and student success.
4. ESSA promotes a well-rounded education by encouraging states to include indicators such as arts education and physical education in their accountability systems.
5. The act allows for increased involvement from parents and communities in decision-making processes related to school improvements and student outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act shift the focus of educational accountability from federal to state control?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act shifts educational accountability from federal oversight to state control by allowing states to create their own accountability systems tailored to local needs. This change means that while schools are still held responsible for student performance, states have the flexibility to design their assessments and identify strategies for improvement. This approach encourages states to develop more innovative solutions that address specific challenges within their educational systems.
• Discuss the role of Title I funding under ESSA and its impact on addressing educational inequality.
  • Title I funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act plays a crucial role in addressing educational inequality by providing financial support to schools that serve a high percentage of low-income students. These funds are intended to improve educational resources and opportunities, ensuring that disadvantaged students receive the same quality of education as their peers. By targeting schools that need additional resources, Title I aims to close achievement gaps and promote equity within the public education system.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on public education in America, especially regarding student outcomes and equity.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has the potential for significant long-term effects on public education in America by promoting greater equity and improving student outcomes. By emphasizing state control, accountability measures tailored to local contexts, and increased funding for underserved schools, ESSA seeks to create an educational environment where all students can succeed regardless of their backgrounds. Over time, if implemented effectively, these changes could lead to a reduction in achievement gaps and a more inclusive educational landscape that supports diverse learners across the nation.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act:

A previous U.S. education law enacted in 2001 that aimed to close achievement gaps by increasing accountability for schools and requiring standardized testing.

Title I: A federal program under ESSA that provides funding to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families to help ensure they receive a quality education.

Standardized Testing: A method of evaluating student performance through uniform tests, which are used to measure educational achievement and hold schools accountable under laws like ESSA.