Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that aims to ensure equitable access to education for all students while providing states with more control over their educational systems. This act replaced No Child Left Behind, focusing on improving student outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups, and addressing disparities in educational opportunities, especially in subjects like mathematics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA emphasizes the importance of local control over education, allowing states to develop their own plans for improving student performance.
2. The act requires states to implement evidence-based interventions for underperforming schools, which can particularly help address racial and gender disparities in education.
3. ESSA places a strong focus on the inclusion of historically marginalized groups, including students of color and those from low-income families, in mathematics education.
4. The law also mandates annual testing in mathematics and reading for students in grades 3-8 and once in high school, to monitor progress and identify areas needing improvement.
5. States are encouraged to adopt measures beyond test scores to evaluate school performance, fostering a more holistic view of student success.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act contribute to addressing racial and gender disparities in mathematics education?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act actively contributes to addressing racial and gender disparities in mathematics by requiring states to implement strategies that target support for underperforming schools. By emphasizing evidence-based interventions, the act encourages educational systems to focus on improving outcomes specifically for marginalized groups, including students of color and girls. This proactive approach aims to create equitable access to quality math education and close achievement gaps.
• Discuss the role of accountability systems established under ESSA and their impact on schools serving disadvantaged populations.
  • Accountability systems established under the Every Student Succeeds Act play a crucial role in promoting transparency and ensuring that schools serve disadvantaged populations effectively. These systems require schools to track performance data, especially for historically marginalized groups, enabling educators and policymakers to identify gaps in achievement. By holding schools accountable for their progress, ESSA encourages targeted interventions that can help lift the performance of students who are often overlooked, particularly in mathematics.
• Evaluate how ESSA's focus on local control impacts the implementation of programs aimed at reducing educational disparities in mathematics.
  • ESSA's focus on local control significantly impacts how programs aimed at reducing educational disparities in mathematics are implemented across different states. By allowing states to tailor their plans based on local needs, educators can address specific challenges faced by their communities. This flexibility can lead to innovative strategies that directly target the unique issues affecting underrepresented groups in math education. However, it also means that effectiveness may vary widely depending on state priorities and commitment to equity, making ongoing assessment and adaptation essential for success.

Related terms

Equity in Education: The principle that all students should have access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background.

Accountability Systems: Frameworks established by states under ESSA to assess school performance and ensure that schools meet certain educational standards and provide adequate support for all students.

Title I Funding: Federal funds allocated to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families, aimed at improving educational opportunities and outcomes for disadvantaged students.