Every Student Succeeds Act

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, aiming to provide all students with equal opportunities to succeed. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasizes state control over educational standards while also focusing on closing achievement gaps among different student populations, including those in science education, and addressing broader social justice issues within the education system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA allows states to set their own educational standards and establish their own systems for assessing student performance, rather than relying solely on federal mandates.
2. One key feature of ESSA is its focus on equity, which encourages states to take specific actions to address achievement gaps, particularly in marginalized communities.
3. The law mandates that schools must develop strategies for supporting underperforming schools, particularly those with high concentrations of disadvantaged students.
4. ESSA promotes the inclusion of multiple measures of student success beyond standardized tests, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning.
5. The act emphasizes the importance of preparing all students for post-secondary education and career readiness by fostering a well-rounded education.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, in terms of accountability and state control?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act shifts accountability from the federal level to individual states, allowing them to set their own educational standards and determine how to measure student success. While No Child Left Behind emphasized strict federal guidelines and standardized testing as the primary means of assessment, ESSA gives states more flexibility in creating assessments and defining success. This change aims to empower states to tailor their approaches to education based on local needs and contexts.
• Discuss the significance of Title I funding within the context of the Every Student Succeeds Act and its impact on addressing achievement gaps.
  • Title I funding under ESSA plays a crucial role in providing additional resources to schools serving low-income students. This financial support is designed to help close achievement gaps by ensuring that these schools can access necessary tools, programs, and interventions. By allocating federal funds specifically for schools with higher concentrations of disadvantaged students, Title I fosters equity in education and promotes opportunities for all students to succeed academically.
• Evaluate how the emphasis on equity within ESSA can transform science education for underrepresented populations and contribute to social justice.
  • The emphasis on equity in ESSA has the potential to transform science education by requiring states to address disparities faced by underrepresented populations. By focusing on closing achievement gaps and providing targeted resources, schools can implement programs that engage these students in meaningful science learning experiences. This shift not only prepares these students for future careers in STEM fields but also contributes to social justice by ensuring that all students have access to quality science education and opportunities, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.

Related terms

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

Title I: A provision under ESSA that allocates federal funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students to help ensure they receive a quality education.

Achievement Gap: The disparity in academic performance between different groups of students, often defined by socioeconomic status, race, or disability.