Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law passed in 2015 aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasized state control over educational standards and accountability while maintaining federal guidelines for student achievement and assessment. The act plays a significant role in shaping educational policy related to charter schools, school choice, and standardized testing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA provides more authority to states in determining their education standards, allowing them to set their own goals and accountability systems.
2. The act emphasizes the importance of supporting students from low-income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
3. Under ESSA, states must adopt challenging academic standards, but they can choose how to assess student progress, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. The law includes provisions for funding to support low-performing schools and encourages innovation through new educational approaches and models.
5. ESSA maintains federal oversight by requiring states to report on student achievement and ensure that all students are making progress toward meeting educational goals.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act empower states in relation to educational standards and accountability?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act empowers states by granting them greater control over setting their own educational standards and accountability measures. Unlike its predecessor, No Child Left Behind, which imposed strict federal requirements, ESSA allows states to tailor their education systems according to local needs. This shift promotes innovation and responsiveness to community priorities while still holding states accountable for the performance of all students.
• Discuss the implications of the Every Student Succeeds Act on charter schools and school choice initiatives.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has significant implications for charter schools and school choice initiatives by promoting flexibility and options within the education system. While the act allows states to establish accountability measures for charter schools, it also supports the growth of school choice by encouraging the development of alternative education models. This focus on choice empowers parents to seek out educational settings that best meet their children's needs while ensuring that all schools are held to certain performance standards.
• Evaluate how the Every Student Succeeds Act addresses issues of equity in education, particularly concerning standardized testing and student achievement.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act addresses equity by emphasizing support for historically disadvantaged groups, including low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. By requiring states to report on achievement gaps and implement strategies for closing these gaps, ESSA encourages a more equitable education system. Furthermore, while standardized testing remains a component of accountability, the act allows states flexibility in assessing student performance, enabling them to choose assessments that reflect diverse learning styles and needs. This approach aims to create a more inclusive environment where all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

Related terms

Charter Schools: Publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system, often having more flexibility in their curriculum and operations.

Accountability Measures: Standards and evaluations used to assess the performance of schools and students, ensuring that educational institutions meet specific benchmarks for success.

Standardized Testing: Tests administered and scored in a consistent manner, used to measure student performance and school effectiveness across different populations.