Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Definition

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in December 2015 that aims to ensure equal educational opportunity and improve student outcomes across the country. ESSA builds upon previous legislation, such as No Child Left Behind, but offers more flexibility to states in how they assess and improve education for all students, including those with disabilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESSA requires states to develop their own standards and assessments, giving them more control over their educational frameworks.
2. The law emphasizes support for low-performing schools and requires states to implement improvement plans for these institutions.
3. Under ESSA, there is a focus on reducing the number of standardized tests and allowing for more innovative assessment methods.
4. The act ensures that students with disabilities are included in state assessments and have access to necessary accommodations.
5. ESSA mandates that schools must report data on student performance by subgroups, including those with disabilities, to ensure accountability.

Review Questions

• How does the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) differ from its predecessor, No Child Left Behind?
  • ESSA differs from No Child Left Behind primarily in its approach to accountability and state flexibility. While NCLB imposed strict federal guidelines and standardized testing requirements, ESSA allows states greater freedom to create their own assessment systems and set performance goals. This shift aims to empower states to develop localized solutions for improving student outcomes while still holding them accountable for the education of all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have disabilities.
• Discuss the implications of ESSA for students with disabilities in terms of assessment and educational opportunities.
  • Under ESSA, there are significant implications for students with disabilities regarding assessments and educational opportunities. The act requires that these students participate in state assessments, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations as needed. This inclusion promotes a more equitable educational environment by recognizing the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Additionally, states must provide support and resources aimed at improving outcomes for these students, ensuring they have access to high-quality education alongside their peers.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Every Student Succeeds Act on educational equity across diverse populations.
  • The long-term effects of ESSA on educational equity could be profound, as it promotes tailored approaches to student assessment and school improvement strategies. By granting states more authority while mandating accountability measures for diverse student populations, ESSA encourages a focus on reducing achievement gaps among subgroups, including racial minorities and students with disabilities. If implemented effectively, this could lead to more equitable resource allocation, improved educational outcomes, and ultimately foster an inclusive learning environment that benefits all students across varying backgrounds.

Related terms

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB): A previous federal law that aimed to improve educational outcomes for all students through standardized testing and accountability measures.

State Accountability Systems: Frameworks established by states under ESSA to monitor and evaluate the performance of schools and student achievement.