ESSA

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a landmark piece of legislation enacted in 2015 that aims to ensure educational equity and accountability across the United States. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasizes state control over education while maintaining federal oversight to ensure that all students, regardless of background, receive a high-quality education. ESSA focuses on improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps through comprehensive strategies and increased support for underperforming schools.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA allows states more flexibility in designing their own education systems while still holding them accountable for student performance.
2. The act emphasizes the importance of supporting disadvantaged students, including those from low-income families and English language learners.
3. ESSA requires states to develop and implement a plan for improving struggling schools with specific interventions based on local needs.
4. Under ESSA, annual standardized testing remains mandatory, but states can choose how they assess students and what metrics they use for accountability.
5. The act encourages collaboration between local education agencies and community organizations to provide comprehensive support services to students.

Review Questions

• How does ESSA differ from its predecessor, No Child Left Behind, in terms of educational policy and accountability?
  • ESSA significantly shifts control from the federal government to individual states, allowing them greater flexibility in creating educational policies while still ensuring accountability for student performance. Unlike No Child Left Behind, which heavily relied on standardized testing and rigid consequences for schools that failed to meet benchmarks, ESSA promotes a more holistic approach. States are empowered to develop their own systems for evaluating school performance and addressing issues within their education systems.
• What are some key components of state plans that must be submitted under ESSA, and how do these plans address educational disparities?
  • State plans under ESSA must outline strategies for improving student achievement, particularly among historically underserved populations. These plans are required to include measures for supporting low-performing schools, addressing achievement gaps, and providing resources for disadvantaged students. By focusing on equitable access to education and tailored interventions based on community needs, states aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
• Evaluate the implications of ESSA on the future of educational policy in the United States, considering both potential benefits and challenges.
  • ESSA has the potential to reshape educational policy by emphasizing state autonomy while also ensuring federal accountability measures remain in place. This shift could lead to more innovative approaches tailored to local contexts, promoting collaboration among stakeholders. However, challenges may arise if states lack adequate resources or commitment to implementing effective interventions. Additionally, disparities in funding and support could persist if not addressed effectively, potentially undermining ESSA's goals of equity and excellence in education.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind:

A previous education policy enacted in 2001 that aimed to improve student achievement through standardized testing and accountability measures, which ESSA replaced.

Accountability: The requirement for schools and districts to demonstrate progress in student achievement, particularly among disadvantaged populations, under the guidelines set forth by ESSA.

State Assessment: Standardized tests administered at the state level to evaluate student performance and school effectiveness, which are mandated by ESSA for annual assessment.