Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law passed in 2015 that aims to ensure equitable education for all students, emphasizing accountability and high academic standards. This legislation replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and grants states more flexibility in how they implement education policies while still requiring them to address the needs of disadvantaged students. ESSA reflects a shift towards local control and recognizes the diverse needs of students across the country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA emphasizes the importance of student assessment but allows states to create their own accountability systems, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
2. Under ESSA, schools are required to report data on various student subgroups, including those from low-income families, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
3. The law encourages a well-rounded education, promoting not only academic subjects but also arts, music, and physical education.
4. States must set ambitious goals for improving student outcomes, focusing on closing achievement gaps among different demographics.
5. ESSA also emphasizes the role of family and community engagement in education, recognizing that these factors contribute to student success.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, No Child Left Behind?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs from No Child Left Behind primarily in its approach to accountability. While NCLB imposed strict federal mandates on testing and school performance, ESSA grants states more autonomy in designing their accountability systems. This shift allows for tailored approaches that can better address local needs while still maintaining a focus on equity and student achievement.
• In what ways does ESSA support disadvantaged students and promote equity in education?
  • ESSA supports disadvantaged students by requiring states to include data from various subgroups in their reporting, ensuring that schools address achievement gaps. The law mandates that states set ambitious goals for improving outcomes for these groups and encourages the provision of additional resources and support where needed. By doing so, ESSA aims to create a more equitable education system that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged students.
• Evaluate the impact of local control in the implementation of ESSA on educational outcomes across different states.
  • The shift towards local control in ESSA allows states to tailor their educational policies to fit specific demographic needs and community values. This flexibility can lead to innovative approaches that directly address local challenges, potentially improving educational outcomes. However, it can also result in disparities between states as varying levels of resources and commitment to equity may affect how effectively these policies are implemented. Analyzing this dynamic reveals the complexity of ensuring equitable educational access across diverse contexts.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act: A federal law enacted in 2001 aimed at increasing accountability in education, primarily through standardized testing, which was replaced by ESSA.

Standardized Testing: Tests administered and scored in a consistent manner across schools, used to assess student learning and school performance under various education laws.

State Accountability Systems: Frameworks established by states to measure and report on the performance of schools and students, ensuring compliance with federal education laws like ESSA.