Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a United States law passed in 2015 that aims to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students and to improve academic outcomes in K-12 education. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasizes state control over education while maintaining federal standards for accountability, assessment, and support for underperforming schools.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA shifts much of the responsibility for education policy back to the states, allowing them to set their own academic standards and assessments.
2. The law requires states to create systems for identifying and supporting underperforming schools, ensuring that interventions are tailored to specific needs.
3. ESSA emphasizes a well-rounded education by promoting not just academics but also access to arts, music, physical education, and other subjects.
4. States are required to report on the performance of all students, including those in subgroups like economically disadvantaged, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
5. Under ESSA, there is a greater focus on reducing the achievement gap between different demographic groups, pushing states to address inequities in educational resources.

Review Questions

• How does ESSA change the role of state governments in educational policy compared to its predecessor?
  • ESSA significantly alters the role of state governments by giving them more control over educational policy. Unlike the No Child Left Behind Act, which imposed strict federal guidelines and accountability measures, ESSA allows states to determine their own academic standards and assessment strategies. This shift empowers states to address local needs while still adhering to federal goals, fostering a more tailored approach to education.
• Discuss the implications of Title I Funding under ESSA for schools serving low-income students.
  • Title I Funding under ESSA plays a crucial role in supporting schools with high populations of low-income students. This funding is aimed at ensuring these schools have adequate resources to improve educational outcomes. Schools receiving Title I funds must implement strategies that specifically address the unique challenges faced by their student populations, which can include additional tutoring, after-school programs, or teacher training focused on effective instruction.
• Evaluate how ESSA's emphasis on a well-rounded education impacts student experiences in K-12 schools.
  • ESSA's focus on a well-rounded education has significant implications for student experiences in K-12 schools. By promoting access to subjects beyond core academics—such as arts, music, and physical education—the law encourages a more holistic approach to learning. This shift can enhance student engagement and creativity while addressing diverse learning styles. As schools adapt their curricula to comply with ESSA requirements, students may benefit from a richer educational environment that prepares them for various aspects of life beyond standardized tests.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind Act:

A previous federal education law that aimed to improve student achievement through standardized testing and accountability measures, which was replaced by ESSA.

State Accountability Systems: Systems developed by individual states under ESSA to measure and report on school performance and student progress, allowing flexibility in how they achieve federal goals.

Title I Funding: Federal funding provided under ESSA to support schools with a high percentage of low-income students, aimed at improving educational outcomes and resources.