Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 aimed at improving student achievement and ensuring equitable access to education for all students, including those in underserved communities. This legislation replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, providing states with more flexibility in setting educational standards and accountability measures while maintaining a focus on high-quality education for every student, including Native American students enrolled in Bureau of Indian Education schools.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA emphasizes state and local control over education, allowing states to develop their own accountability systems that reflect their unique needs and goals.
2. The law includes provisions to support Native American students, requiring states to consult with tribes when developing education plans.
3. ESSA promotes a well-rounded education by encouraging states to focus on a broader range of subjects beyond just reading and math.
4. Under ESSA, schools are required to report on student achievement data disaggregated by various demographic categories, including race, ethnicity, and disability status.
5. The act provides funding for various programs aimed at improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, including those in Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, in terms of flexibility for states?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs from the No Child Left Behind Act primarily in its approach to state control and flexibility. While No Child Left Behind imposed strict federal mandates regarding standardized testing and accountability measures, ESSA allows states to tailor their own education systems according to local needs. This means states can design their own assessment methods and accountability frameworks, enabling them to address specific challenges faced by their student populations, including Native American communities served by the Bureau of Indian Education.
• In what ways does ESSA support the educational needs of Native American students within Bureau of Indian Education schools?
  • ESSA supports Native American students by requiring states to engage with tribal leaders when creating educational plans that affect these communities. This consultation ensures that the unique cultural and educational needs of Native American students are considered. Additionally, the act emphasizes equitable access to quality education and resources, aiming to close achievement gaps that have historically affected these populations. Schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education can benefit from the funding provisions outlined in ESSA, which aim to enhance educational opportunities.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of the Every Student Succeeds Act on the quality of education in Bureau of Indian Education schools.
  • The long-term impacts of the Every Student Succeeds Act on Bureau of Indian Education schools could be significant if properly implemented. By providing greater flexibility for states and emphasizing equitable access, ESSA has the potential to lead to improved educational outcomes for Native American students. If states effectively engage with tribal communities and tailor educational approaches to local needs, it could result in a more culturally relevant curriculum that fosters student engagement and success. Moreover, increased accountability measures focused on disaggregated data can help identify achievement gaps and drive targeted interventions, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education in these schools.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act: A previous U.S. education law that focused on standardized testing to measure student achievement and required schools to meet specific accountability measures.

Bureau of Indian Education: A federal agency responsible for the education of Native American students in tribal and Bureau-funded schools, aiming to improve educational outcomes for these populations.

Accountability Measures: Standards and assessments used to evaluate the performance of schools and students, determining whether they meet educational goals and requirements.