Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal law passed in 2015 that aims to ensure all students receive a high-quality education and to close achievement gaps among different student groups. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and shifted more control to states and local districts, allowing them to set their own educational standards while still maintaining accountability measures for student performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA allows states more flexibility in designing their own accountability systems, focusing on multiple measures of student success rather than just standardized test scores.
2. The act emphasizes the importance of equitable access to educational resources for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. States are required to develop and implement plans that address the needs of low-performing schools under ESSA.
4. Under ESSA, funding can be allocated based on the specific needs of students rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, which helps tailor education to local contexts.
5. ESSA promotes the use of evidence-based practices in education, encouraging schools to adopt strategies that are proven effective for improving student outcomes.

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 and state control. While No Child Left Behind imposed strict federal mandates, including heavy reliance on standardized testing, ESSA provides states with more flexibility to create their own accountability systems. This shift allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of student performance that includes various metrics beyond test scores, promoting a more tailored approach to education that considers local needs.
• In what ways does ESSA aim to improve educational equity among different student groups?
  • ESSA aims to improve educational equity by requiring states to identify and support low-performing schools, particularly those serving disadvantaged students. The act emphasizes equitable access to resources and educational opportunities, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to qualified teachers, safe schools, and necessary support services. Additionally, it mandates that states develop strategies to close achievement gaps and address the specific needs of diverse student populations.
• Evaluate the impact of state autonomy under ESSA on educational outcomes across different regions in the United States.
  • State autonomy under ESSA has led to varied educational outcomes across different regions, as states implement unique accountability systems and standards tailored to their specific contexts. While this flexibility allows for innovative approaches and responsiveness to local needs, it also raises concerns about disparities in educational quality between states. Some states may successfully leverage this autonomy to improve student achievement and close achievement gaps, while others may struggle due to insufficient resources or ineffective strategies. Overall, the effectiveness of ESSA hinges on how well states can balance flexibility with accountability to ensure equitable education for all students.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A previous federal education law enacted in 2001 that emphasized standardized testing and accountability for schools, which was largely replaced by ESSA due to its perceived limitations.

State Standards: Educational benchmarks set by individual states that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.

Accountability Measures: Policies and practices used to assess the performance of schools and districts, including testing requirements and evaluations of student progress.