Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that governs K-12 public education policy. It aims to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education while holding schools accountable for student performance. ESSA emphasizes the importance of school choice and encourages states to develop their own educational strategies, which can enhance the role of charter schools and other alternatives within the public school system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and aimed to reduce the federal government's role in education while giving states more authority.
2. The law requires states to create their own accountability systems for measuring student success, allowing for a more customized approach to education.
3. ESSA includes provisions for supporting low-performing schools and ensuring that all students have access to qualified teachers.
4. The act encourages innovation in education, promoting practices such as personalized learning and the expansion of charter schools.
5. ESSA maintains some federal guidelines but allows states to decide how to implement them, leading to a diverse range of educational practices across the country.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act impact the concept of school choice and the implementation of charter schools?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act significantly influences school choice by granting states more flexibility in how they develop educational systems. This flexibility allows states to promote charter schools as viable options for families seeking alternatives to traditional public education. By encouraging innovation and supporting diverse educational approaches, ESSA facilitates the expansion of charter schools, ultimately giving families more choices in selecting schools that best fit their children's needs.
• Discuss the accountability measures established by the Every Student Succeeds Act and their implications for school performance.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act establishes a framework for accountability that requires states to create their own systems for evaluating school performance. These measures can include standardized test scores, graduation rates, and other indicators of student achievement. This shift from federal mandates under No Child Left Behind to state-defined metrics empowers local authorities but also holds them responsible for addressing educational disparities, ensuring that all students receive quality education regardless of their background.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity and student outcomes across diverse communities.
  • The long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity can be profound, particularly as states tailor their accountability systems to address specific community needs. By emphasizing localized control, ESSA encourages initiatives that could lead to improved student outcomes, especially in underserved areas. However, there is also a risk that disparities may widen if some states do not prioritize equitable resources or support for struggling schools. The balance between state autonomy and federal oversight will be crucial in determining whether ESSA successfully promotes educational equity across diverse communities.

Related terms

Charter Schools: Publicly funded independent schools that operate under a charter granted by a state or local authority, offering more flexibility in curriculum and operations compared to traditional public schools.

School Choice: The policy allowing families to select their preferred educational institutions for their children, including options like charter schools, magnet schools, and voucher programs.

Accountability:

The system by which schools and districts are held responsible for student achievement, typically measured through standardized testing and performance metrics.