ESSA

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that governs the country's K-12 public education policy. It aims to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education while holding schools accountable for student outcomes. ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and emphasizes state control over educational standards and assessments, promoting greater flexibility for states and school districts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA grants states more flexibility in designing their educational accountability systems compared to No Child Left Behind, allowing them to set their own standards and goals.
2. Under ESSA, states are required to develop comprehensive plans that detail how they will improve student outcomes, including support for struggling schools.
3. The law emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of all students, particularly disadvantaged populations, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
4. ESSA encourages the use of evidence-based practices in teaching and learning, prompting schools to implement strategies that have been proven effective in enhancing student achievement.
5. The act also requires annual testing in reading and math for students in grades 3-8 and once in high school, but it allows states to choose how to assess students' progress.

Review Questions

• How does ESSA differ from its predecessor, No Child Left Behind, in terms of accountability measures?
  • ESSA differs from No Child Left Behind primarily by granting states increased flexibility in how they design their accountability systems. While No Child Left Behind enforced strict federal mandates and standardized testing requirements, ESSA allows states to set their own educational standards and goals tailored to their specific needs. This shift aims to empower local education authorities while still holding them accountable for student performance through comprehensive plans.
• In what ways does ESSA promote equitable access to quality education for disadvantaged students?
  • ESSA promotes equitable access to quality education by requiring states to specifically address the needs of disadvantaged students within their accountability plans. This includes providing additional resources and support for struggling schools and ensuring that all students have access to experienced teachers and effective educational programs. The law emphasizes the importance of closing achievement gaps among different student populations, thereby fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
• Evaluate the impact of ESSA's emphasis on evidence-based practices on educational outcomes across the country.
  • The emphasis on evidence-based practices within ESSA is likely to have a significant positive impact on educational outcomes nationwide. By encouraging schools to implement strategies that have been scientifically proven to enhance student learning, ESSA aims to improve overall academic performance and close achievement gaps. This focus not only promotes effective teaching methods but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement as educators are motivated to adopt research-backed approaches that yield tangible results in student success.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A federal law enacted in 2001 aimed at improving educational outcomes through standardized testing and accountability measures, which was replaced by ESSA.

Accountability: The process of holding schools and districts responsible for students' academic performance, ensuring that all students meet educational standards.

State Standards: Educational benchmarks established by individual states that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.