Every Student Succeeds Act

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in 2015 that reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aiming to ensure equitable education and improve student achievement across all schools. It emphasizes accountability, state flexibility, and the importance of diverse learning environments, while also addressing the needs of marginalized students to foster an inclusive educational system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and focuses more on state control over education policies while still maintaining federal accountability standards.
2. The law requires states to develop their own academic standards and assessments, promoting flexibility while ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.
3. ESSA emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making by requiring states to report on student achievement and school performance.
4. The act includes provisions aimed at improving support for English language learners and students with disabilities, ensuring their needs are met in educational settings.
5. Under ESSA, states must engage families and communities in the development of education plans, highlighting the role of culturally responsive family engagement.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the educational system?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by requiring states to address the needs of marginalized groups, including low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. It emphasizes equitable funding and resources to ensure that all students have access to quality education. Additionally, ESSA encourages states to implement accountability systems that measure the success of all student populations, fostering an environment where every student's unique needs are acknowledged and met.
• In what ways does the Every Student Succeeds Act influence the roles and responsibilities of teachers in the classroom?
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act influences teachers' roles by emphasizing the need for data-driven instruction and accountability in measuring student outcomes. Teachers are expected to utilize assessment data to inform their teaching strategies and provide targeted support to diverse learners. Additionally, ESSA encourages professional development opportunities for educators, enabling them to adapt their teaching practices to better meet the varied needs of their students while fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.
• Evaluate how the Every Student Succeeds Act reflects contemporary issues and trends in education regarding federal and state policies.
  • The Every Student Succeeds Act reflects contemporary issues in education by balancing federal oversight with state autonomy in determining educational standards and accountability measures. This shift acknowledges the growing demand for local control while addressing disparities in student achievement across different regions. Furthermore, ESSA's focus on evidence-based practices and the inclusion of various student populations illustrates a trend towards more equitable educational policies that prioritize diverse learning environments and support systems for all students.

Related terms

No Child Left Behind: A previous education reform act that aimed to increase accountability in schools through standardized testing and performance metrics.

Accountability Systems: Frameworks established to assess the performance of schools, including measures of student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and school improvement strategies.

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