Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that aims to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education while reducing the federal government's role in public education. ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, emphasizing state and local control over educational standards, accountability systems, and interventions in underperforming schools, which helps ensure that diverse student populations are supported.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA gives states more flexibility in how they measure student success and allows them to design their own accountability systems.
2. The law requires states to develop plans that address the needs of all students, including disadvantaged groups such as low-income students and those with disabilities.
3. Under ESSA, testing is still a requirement, but states can choose how to implement assessments and can incorporate different measures of student success beyond standardized tests.
4. The law promotes the use of evidence-based practices in education, encouraging schools to adopt strategies that have been proven effective through research.
5. ESSA places an emphasis on supporting underperforming schools through targeted interventions and assistance rather than solely punitive measures.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act empower states in shaping educational policy?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act empowers states by allowing them greater authority to create their own educational standards and accountability systems. This shift from federal oversight means that states can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of their student populations. By enabling states to design and implement strategies that reflect local contexts, ESSA encourages innovative solutions to improve education outcomes for all students.
• Discuss the implications of ESSA's emphasis on evidence-based practices for schools struggling with academic performance.
  • ESSA's focus on evidence-based practices has significant implications for schools facing challenges in academic performance. By promoting strategies that have been validated through research, schools can adopt interventions more likely to succeed in raising student achievement. This approach also encourages schools to analyze data effectively and continuously assess their methods, fostering a culture of improvement rather than simply relying on punitive measures when faced with underperformance.
• Evaluate the overall impact of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity in the United States.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has a profound impact on educational equity by placing a stronger emphasis on the needs of disadvantaged students, such as those from low-income families or those with disabilities. By requiring states to address these disparities in their accountability plans, ESSA aims to ensure that all students receive a quality education regardless of their background. This shift toward equitable practices not only supports underperforming schools but also fosters an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed academically.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act:

A previous U.S. education law that focused on standardized testing to measure student achievement and hold schools accountable for performance.

Accountability: The requirement for schools and educators to be responsible for students' academic performance, including setting goals and using data to improve outcomes.

State Standards: Educational benchmarks set by individual states that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.