Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law passed in 2015 that aims to ensure all students receive a high-quality education and addresses various aspects of school funding and resource allocation. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and provides states with more flexibility in how they allocate resources while holding them accountable for student outcomes. ESSA emphasizes equitable funding, supports for underserved students, and a comprehensive approach to education that includes not only academic achievement but also social and emotional development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA allows states to create their own accountability systems rather than following a one-size-fits-all federal model, giving them the flexibility to address local needs.
2. Under ESSA, schools are required to report on student performance for various subgroups, ensuring transparency in how different populations are performing academically.
3. The law emphasizes support for low-performing schools by requiring states to implement improvement plans and provide additional resources to help these schools succeed.
4. ESSA maintains the requirement for standardized testing in math and reading for grades 3-8 and once in high school, but allows states to choose how they assess student progress.
5. The act encourages states to consider factors beyond test scores, such as student engagement, school climate, and access to advanced coursework when evaluating school performance.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act differ from its predecessor in terms of school funding and resource allocation?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act differs from No Child Left Behind by providing states with more flexibility in determining how they allocate resources to schools. While No Child Left Behind imposed strict federal guidelines on accountability and funding, ESSA allows states to develop their own accountability systems tailored to local needs. This shift empowers states to focus on equitable funding while maintaining accountability for student outcomes.
• In what ways does ESSA promote equitable funding for underserved students compared to previous legislation?
  • ESSA promotes equitable funding for underserved students by emphasizing the importance of Title I funding, which targets schools serving low-income families. Unlike previous legislation that primarily focused on standardized test scores, ESSA requires states to report performance data for different student subgroups, ensuring that schools address the unique needs of their diverse populations. Additionally, ESSA mandates support for low-performing schools, helping them access necessary resources for improvement.
• Evaluate the implications of ESSA's accountability system on educational equity and resource distribution among schools.
  • ESSA's accountability system has significant implications for educational equity by requiring states to consider multiple indicators of school performance beyond just test scores. This holistic approach encourages schools to address various aspects of student well-being, such as engagement and access to advanced coursework. As a result, resource distribution can become more equitable as schools are held accountable for supporting all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the effectiveness of this system ultimately depends on how well states implement their plans and allocate resources accordingly.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A previous U.S. education law enacted in 2001 aimed at improving student achievement through standardized testing and accountability measures.

Title I Funding: Federal funding provided to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging academic standards.

Accountability System: A framework established by ESSA that requires states to develop systems to evaluate school performance based on various indicators, including academic achievement and school climate.