“The new Every Student Succeeds Act, signed into law Dec. 10, 2015, rolls back much of the federal government’s big footprint in education policy, on everything from testing and teacher quality to low-performing schools. And it gives new leeway to states in calling the shots,” per Alyson Klein of Education Week in March 2016.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal law that governs public education in the United States from K–12. It was signed into law by President Obama in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. ESSA aims to improve student outcomes and educational opportunity by:
- Increasing transparency: States are required to provide information to parents and the public about student performance, school funding, and school rankings.
- Setting high academic standards: All students are expected to be taught to high academic standards to prepare them for college and careers.
- Supporting local innovation: Local educators and leaders are encouraged to develop evidence-based interventions.
- Expanding access to preschool: ESSA supports programs that increase access to high-quality preschool.
- Holding schools accountable: Schools that are underperforming are expected to take action to improve.
- Providing flexibility for funding: States can use funds for career and technical education, transportation to higher performing schools, and other purposes.
- Defining a well-rounded education: The definition of a well-rounded education includes the arts and music, and Title I funds can be used for arts education.
Source: U.S. Department of Education