Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that aims to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, primarily by shifting more control over education policy from the federal level to state and local authorities. ESSA builds on the foundation of the previous No Child Left Behind Act, emphasizing accountability while providing states with greater flexibility in how they assess and improve student achievement. This law also highlights the importance of federal funding and intergovernmental grants in supporting educational initiatives and closing achievement gaps.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA allows states to create their own accountability systems, giving them more freedom in how to measure student progress.
2. The law requires states to use multiple measures of student success, rather than just standardized test scores, to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
3. Under ESSA, there is an emphasis on equity, ensuring that vulnerable populations such as low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities receive adequate support.
4. ESSA provides funding through intergovernmental grants, helping states implement their education plans and improve school performance.
5. The law mandates that every child should have access to a well-rounded education, which includes subjects beyond just math and reading.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, in terms of accountability and state control?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs significantly from the No Child Left Behind Act by decentralizing control over education policy. While No Child Left Behind imposed strict federal requirements and standardization for testing and accountability, ESSA allows states greater flexibility to design their own accountability systems. This shift empowers states to tailor their approaches based on local needs and priorities while still maintaining federal oversight to ensure educational equity.
• In what ways does Title I funding under ESSA play a critical role in supporting schools serving low-income students?
  • Title I funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act is crucial for supporting schools with high concentrations of low-income students. This funding enables these schools to implement programs designed to improve academic outcomes and reduce achievement gaps. Schools can use Title I funds for additional resources such as hiring specialized staff, providing tutoring programs, and enhancing family engagement initiatives that target the unique challenges faced by their student populations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity and student achievement across different demographic groups.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has significant implications for educational equity by emphasizing the need for states to address the achievement gaps among various demographic groups. By requiring states to use multiple measures of success and focusing on vulnerable populations like low-income students and those with disabilities, ESSA aims to create a more inclusive education system. As states implement their accountability plans with these considerations in mind, we may see improvements in educational outcomes for historically marginalized groups, thereby fostering a more equitable educational landscape.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act: A federal law enacted in 2001 that aimed to improve educational outcomes by enforcing standardized testing and accountability measures across schools.

Title I Funding: Federal funding provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to assist schools with high percentages of low-income students in improving educational outcomes.

State Accountability Plans: Plans developed by individual states outlining how they will assess student performance, set academic standards, and address low-performing schools under ESSA.