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 policy, aiming to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education while closing achievement gaps. ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and shifted more control to states and local districts, emphasizing accountability, student growth, and well-rounded education. This law not only addresses educational standards but also impacts how students in various circumstances, including those in foster care, receive support and resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA encourages states to create their own academic standards and accountability systems, reducing the federal government's role in education decision-making.
2. Under ESSA, schools must identify and support underperforming student groups, including those in foster care, to ensure they receive adequate resources and opportunities.
3. The law promotes a more holistic approach to education by incorporating social-emotional learning and well-rounded curricula rather than just focusing on standardized test scores.
4. ESSA also mandates that states report data on the performance of students in foster care to ensure they are not left behind academically.
5. The law's focus on equity has led to increased funding for low-income schools and programs aimed at addressing disparities among different student populations.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act change the approach to educational accountability compared to its predecessor?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act shifts the focus of educational accountability from a one-size-fits-all model under No Child Left Behind to a more flexible system where states have the authority to develop their own standards and assessments. This allows states to create tailored accountability systems that consider local contexts and diverse student needs. By encouraging states to implement measures that reflect student growth and not just proficiency on standardized tests, ESSA promotes a more comprehensive understanding of student achievement.
• In what ways does ESSA address the educational needs of students in foster care?
  • ESSA specifically addresses the challenges faced by students in foster care by requiring states to identify these students and track their academic performance. The law mandates that schools work to ensure educational stability for these students, which includes minimizing disruptions during school changes and providing necessary resources. Additionally, it emphasizes collaboration between child welfare agencies and schools to facilitate better support systems for foster youth, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed academically.
• Evaluate the broader implications of ESSA on educational equity in the United States.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act has significant implications for educational equity by mandating that states address disparities among different student populations. By requiring schools to identify underperforming groups and allocate resources accordingly, ESSA aims to level the playing field for disadvantaged students. The emphasis on data reporting regarding student outcomes helps hold schools accountable for improving the education of marginalized groups, such as those in foster care or low-income households. This shift toward equity in education not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a more just society by providing all children with access to quality education.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A previous U.S. education law enacted in 2001 that aimed to improve student achievement through standardized testing and increased accountability for schools.

Accountability System: A framework within education that measures school performance based on various metrics, such as test scores, graduation rates, and student progress.

Foster Care Education Policies: Regulations and practices that ensure children in foster care have access to educational stability and resources that support their academic success.