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, aiming to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and achieve academic success. ESSA emphasizes the importance of state and local control over education while still holding schools accountable for student outcomes, thereby influencing national and state standards, assessment practices, grading feedback, and data-driven instruction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA shifts more responsibility to states and local districts for developing their own educational goals and accountability systems.
2. Under ESSA, states must implement challenging academic standards that align with higher education expectations.
3. The law encourages the use of multiple measures for assessing student performance beyond standardized testing.
4. ESSA requires schools to identify and support underperforming student groups, ensuring equitable access to educational resources.
5. States are given flexibility in designing their assessment systems, allowing for innovative approaches like project-based learning evaluations.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act influence national and state educational standards?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act influences educational standards by requiring states to adopt challenging academic standards that prepare students for success in college and careers. Unlike its predecessor, No Child Left Behind, ESSA allows states greater flexibility in developing these standards while ensuring they align with higher education expectations. This shift empowers local education agencies to set tailored benchmarks that meet the specific needs of their student populations.
• In what ways does ESSA change the approach to assessments compared to previous legislation?
  • ESSA changes the approach to assessments by promoting the use of multiple measures for evaluating student performance rather than relying solely on standardized tests. States are encouraged to implement innovative assessment systems that can include project-based assessments, portfolios, or other forms of evaluation that capture a more comprehensive picture of student learning. This flexibility helps ensure a more accurate assessment of student knowledge and skills across diverse populations.
• Evaluate the impact of ESSA's focus on equity in education and its implications for data-driven instruction.
  • ESSA's focus on equity aims to address disparities in educational resources and outcomes among different student groups. By requiring schools to identify underperforming subgroups and provide targeted support, the law emphasizes the importance of data-driven instruction tailored to meet diverse needs. This approach not only fosters an inclusive learning environment but also ensures that educators use data effectively to track progress, inform instructional strategies, and improve overall student achievement across all demographics.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind:

A previous federal law that aimed to improve educational outcomes through accountability measures, which ESSA replaced with a more flexible approach.

Accountability Systems: Frameworks established by states to evaluate school performance based on student achievement and progress towards academic goals under ESSA.

Academic Standards: Benchmarks set by states that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, as promoted by ESSA.