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 equal access to educational opportunities. This act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, shifting the focus from standardized testing to a more holistic approach in assessing student performance and supporting diverse educational needs, including those of historically marginalized groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA emphasizes a well-rounded education, encouraging states to provide students with access to subjects like arts, music, and physical education alongside traditional academics.
2. Under ESSA, states are required to develop their own accountability systems, which must include multiple measures of student success beyond just test scores.
3. The act aims to reduce the reliance on high-stakes testing by allowing for more innovative assessment methods that reflect students' learning and growth.
4. ESSA includes provisions to support English language learners and students with disabilities, ensuring that these groups receive necessary resources and assistance.
5. The act encourages parental engagement and community involvement in schools, recognizing that collaboration can lead to better educational outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act change the approach to student assessment compared to its predecessor?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act shifts the focus from a narrow reliance on standardized testing as seen in the No Child Left Behind Act to a more comprehensive assessment strategy. ESSA allows states to incorporate multiple measures of student success, promoting a well-rounded education that includes subjects like arts and physical education. This broader approach aims to better reflect individual student growth and learning, catering to diverse educational needs.
• In what ways does ESSA promote educational equity for historically marginalized groups?
  • ESSA promotes educational equity by requiring states to create accountability plans that address achievement gaps among historically marginalized groups, including racial minorities, low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. The act emphasizes tailored support and resources for these students to ensure they have equal access to quality education. This commitment is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment where all students can succeed.
• Evaluate the implications of state accountability plans under ESSA on local educational policies and practices.
  • State accountability plans under ESSA significantly influence local educational policies by allowing states to set their own benchmarks for measuring student achievement. This flexibility means that local districts can implement tailored strategies that best meet their communities' unique needs while still being held accountable for student outcomes. As states design their plans to reflect broader goals such as reducing disparities and fostering well-rounded education, local practices are likely to evolve towards more innovative and inclusive approaches that prioritize equity.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act:

A previous federal education law that emphasized standardized testing and accountability in schools, which was replaced by ESSA.

State Accountability Plans: Plans developed by individual states under ESSA that outline how they will measure student achievement and ensure educational equity.

School Improvement Grants: Federal funds provided to assist struggling schools in making necessary improvements and enhancing student outcomes under the provisions of ESSA.