🚸foundations of education review

key term - Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a significant piece of legislation passed in 2015 aimed at ensuring that all students in the United States receive a high-quality education and achieve academic success. This act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, shifting more control to states while maintaining accountability standards, which connects to the development of public education and the ongoing evolution of educational policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. ESSA emphasizes a more holistic approach to education, allowing states to incorporate measures beyond standardized test scores when assessing school performance.
  2. The act aims to close achievement gaps between different student groups, ensuring equitable access to education resources.
  3. States are required to set their own goals for student achievement and develop their accountability systems, which must be approved by the federal government.
  4. ESSA includes provisions for increased support for English language learners and students with disabilities, promoting inclusivity in education.
  5. The act encourages community and parental involvement in the development of school improvement plans, fostering collaboration between families and educators.

Review Questions

  • How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, in terms of accountability measures?
    • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs significantly from the No Child Left Behind Act by granting more autonomy to states in developing their accountability systems. While NCLB enforced strict federal guidelines and standardized testing requirements, ESSA allows states to create more flexible assessments that reflect broader educational goals. This shift promotes a more comprehensive evaluation of school performance that can include factors such as student engagement, school climate, and graduation rates.
  • Discuss how the Every Student Succeeds Act aims to address equity in education for underserved populations.
    • The Every Student Succeeds Act seeks to enhance equity in education by implementing measures specifically designed to support underserved populations, such as low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. By requiring states to identify schools with significant achievement gaps and allocate additional resources for improvement, ESSA aims to ensure that all students have access to quality education. The act emphasizes tailored support strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by different communities.
  • Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of the Every Student Succeeds Act on state-level educational policies and student outcomes.
    • The Every Student Succeeds Act has the potential to significantly reshape state-level educational policies and improve student outcomes over time. By allowing states greater flexibility in designing their accountability systems, ESSA can lead to innovative approaches that prioritize holistic student development rather than solely focusing on test scores. If implemented effectively, these changes may contribute to more equitable educational environments, foster community involvement, and ultimately result in improved achievement for diverse student populations. However, the success of ESSA will depend on the commitment of state officials to uphold its principles and address systemic inequities within their educational systems.