Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law passed in 2015 aimed at ensuring that all students receive a quality education and that schools are held accountable for student outcomes. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and focuses on empowering states and local education agencies to set their own educational standards, while still requiring assessments and reporting to ensure progress among all students, including those from Native American communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA shifts more control to states regarding education standards and accountability, allowing them to tailor policies to better meet local needs.
2. The act emphasizes the importance of addressing educational disparities among students, particularly those from marginalized groups, including Native American populations.
3. Under ESSA, states are required to develop plans that include strategies for improving low-performing schools and closing achievement gaps.
4. ESSA includes provisions for increased funding for schools serving Native American students and encourages the incorporation of Indigenous culture into curricula.
5. The law also requires regular assessments to monitor student progress and ensure that all groups, including Native Americans, are making advancements in education.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, No Child Left Behind, in terms of accountability and local control?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs significantly from No Child Left Behind by shifting accountability from a strict federal mandate to greater state control. While No Child Left Behind imposed rigid standards and testing requirements, ESSA allows states to set their own educational goals and determine how to measure success. This flexibility enables local education agencies to develop more tailored approaches that consider community needs, which can lead to better outcomes for diverse populations, including Native American students.
• Discuss the implications of Title VI of the Every Student Succeeds Act for Native American education systems.
  • Title VI of the Every Student Succeeds Act directly impacts Native American education systems by emphasizing the necessity of culturally relevant curricula and support for Indigenous students. It aims to address historical inequities in education and encourages states to involve Native communities in decision-making processes related to their children's education. This focus helps to ensure that educational content reflects Indigenous culture and perspectives while fostering an inclusive learning environment that supports Native students' success.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity for Native American students across the United States.
  • The long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity for Native American students could be transformative if implemented effectively. By prioritizing local control and culturally relevant education through provisions like Title VI, there is potential for improved academic outcomes and greater engagement among Native students. However, successful implementation will depend on consistent funding, commitment from state and local agencies, and active involvement from Indigenous communities. If these elements align, ESSA could significantly reduce educational disparities and promote greater equity in learning opportunities for Native American students nationwide.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A former U.S. law that mandated standardized testing to ensure accountability in education, but faced criticism for its one-size-fits-all approach.

Title VI: A section of the ESSA that specifically addresses the educational needs of Native American students, promoting culturally relevant education and support.

State Education Agencies: Government bodies at the state level responsible for overseeing public education, implementing policies like ESSA, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.