Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 aimed at ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education and have the opportunity to succeed. This act replaced No Child Left Behind, shifting more control to states and local districts, allowing them to set their own educational standards and accountability systems while still adhering to federal guidelines. ESSA emphasizes equity in education, focusing on closing achievement gaps among diverse student populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA provides more flexibility to states in how they design their education systems, allowing them to create their own accountability measures rather than following a one-size-fits-all federal model.
2. The act places a strong emphasis on the importance of early childhood education and includes provisions for funding preschool programs to support at-risk children.
3. Under ESSA, states are required to create plans that address the needs of low-performing schools and include measures for improving student achievement in those areas.
4. The law also emphasizes the importance of teacher quality by encouraging states to develop strategies for recruiting and retaining effective educators in high-need areas.
5. ESSA encourages collaboration between local districts, parents, and communities to ensure that educational policies reflect the needs and goals of all stakeholders.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor No Child Left Behind in terms of state control over education?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act significantly differs from No Child Left Behind by granting more control and flexibility to states regarding their education systems. While No Child Left Behind imposed strict federal requirements and standard testing mandates, ESSA allows states to develop their own accountability frameworks and educational standards tailored to their unique needs. This shift aims to foster a more localized approach to education while still ensuring that all students receive a quality education.
• What role does accountability play in the Every Student Succeeds Act, particularly concerning low-performing schools?
  • Accountability is a central theme in the Every Student Succeeds Act, particularly regarding low-performing schools. ESSA requires states to create comprehensive plans that identify underperforming schools and outline specific strategies for improvement. These plans must include measurable goals for student achievement and interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of low performance, ensuring that all students have the resources needed to succeed academically.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity and student outcomes across different demographics.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has the potential for significant long-term impacts on educational equity by emphasizing state flexibility while ensuring federal oversight for underprivileged groups. By encouraging tailored educational approaches that address local needs and disparities, ESSA aims to close achievement gaps between different demographic groups. If effectively implemented, this could lead to improved student outcomes for historically marginalized populations, creating a more equitable education system that better serves all students regardless of their background or circumstances.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind:

A federal education law that aimed to increase accountability in schools, requiring states to administer standardized tests to ensure student progress.

Accountability: The responsibility of schools and educators to ensure students meet certain educational standards and outcomes, often measured through testing and performance metrics.

Standardized Testing: A method of evaluating student performance through uniform tests administered across various schools and districts, often used to assess educational quality.