Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in December 2015 that governs K-12 public education and aims to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and shifts significant decision-making power from the federal government to individual states, allowing them to set their own educational standards and accountability systems while still maintaining certain federal requirements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA provides states with greater flexibility in developing their own education standards and accountability systems, which can lead to more tailored approaches that meet local needs.
2. Under ESSA, states are required to include factors beyond test scores, such as student engagement and school climate, when evaluating school performance.
3. The law emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and aims to support schools in improving access to quality pre-kindergarten programs.
4. ESSA encourages states to focus on closing achievement gaps among different student groups, including those from low-income backgrounds, racial minorities, and students with disabilities.
5. The law mandates regular reporting on student achievement and progress, ensuring transparency for parents and communities about how well their schools are performing.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) change the approach to educational standards compared to its predecessor, No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?
  • ESSA shifts the focus from a federally-mandated approach under NCLB to a more state-centered model, allowing individual states to set their own educational standards and accountability measures. While NCLB emphasized standardized testing as the primary metric for school success, ESSA encourages a broader evaluation of school performance that includes factors like student engagement and school climate. This transition aims to empower states to create systems that better reflect their unique educational challenges and needs.
• Discuss the significance of state accountability plans under ESSA and how they impact local education systems.
  • State accountability plans are crucial under ESSA as they allow states to outline their methods for assessing school performance and addressing educational disparities. Each state has the autonomy to determine how it will measure success, which can lead to innovative strategies tailored to local contexts. These plans play a key role in ensuring that schools are held accountable for student outcomes while also providing flexibility to adapt policies that best serve their communities.
• Evaluate the implications of ESSA's emphasis on closing achievement gaps for historically underserved student populations in Texas.
  • ESSA's focus on closing achievement gaps carries significant implications for Texas, where diverse student populations face various challenges. The law encourages state and local authorities to implement targeted interventions aimed at supporting low-income students, students of color, and those with disabilities. This emphasis not only helps ensure equitable access to quality education but also fosters an inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically. As Texas develops its accountability plans under ESSA, it must prioritize strategies that specifically address these gaps, ultimately shaping a more equitable educational landscape.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind (NCLB): A federal law enacted in 2001 that aimed to improve educational outcomes for all students through standardized testing and accountability measures.

State Accountability Plans: Plans developed by individual states under ESSA to outline how they will monitor school performance and student outcomes, including metrics for measuring success.

Title I Funding: Federal funding provided to schools with high numbers of low-income students, aimed at helping ensure that all students can meet academic standards.