Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a significant piece of federal legislation enacted in 2015 that aims to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students across the United States. It replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, shifting more authority to states and local districts while maintaining accountability measures and promoting student success.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA emphasizes a well-rounded education, encouraging states to incorporate subjects beyond math and reading into their accountability systems.
2. The act gives states the flexibility to design their own educational standards and assessments while still requiring them to report on student progress.
3. Under ESSA, there is a greater focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable student populations, including low-income students and students with disabilities.
4. States are required to identify and support schools that are consistently underperforming or have significant achievement gaps among different student groups.
5. ESSA allows for greater community and stakeholder engagement in the development of state plans and policies related to education.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act change the approach to accountability compared to its predecessor?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act shifts accountability from a one-size-fits-all federal mandate under No Child Left Behind to a more flexible state-driven model. States now have the authority to create their own accountability systems tailored to local needs, while still being required to meet certain federal guidelines. This allows for a more nuanced approach that can address specific challenges faced by individual schools and districts.
• Evaluate the impact of ESSA's focus on vulnerable student populations in terms of policy implementation at the state level.
  • ESSA's emphasis on vulnerable populations necessitates states to prioritize resources and interventions for students who are at risk of falling behind. This leads to targeted policies aimed at reducing achievement gaps and providing additional support services in areas like special education and English language learning. By mandating states to identify low-performing schools, ESSA encourages focused efforts to improve educational outcomes for these groups.
• Synthesize how the Every Student Succeeds Act reflects emerging trends in educational reform and stakeholder involvement.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act embodies key trends in educational reform by promoting local control and prioritizing community engagement in policy-making. Its flexible approach aligns with a growing belief that education systems should be responsive to local needs rather than strictly governed by federal mandates. Furthermore, ESSA encourages collaboration among various stakeholders—including educators, parents, and community members—highlighting a shift towards inclusive decision-making that aims to enhance educational equity and effectiveness.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act:

A federal law enacted in 2001 aimed at closing the achievement gap by increasing accountability for schools, requiring standardized testing, and setting benchmarks for student performance.

State Accountability Plans: Plans developed by states under ESSA that outline how they will measure student progress and school performance, including specific goals and interventions for underperforming schools.

School Improvement Grants: Federal funds provided to support the turnaround efforts of low-performing schools, allowing them to implement evidence-based strategies to improve student outcomes.