The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the law that replaced the NCLB in 2015. Its purpose is to provide high-quality education to all students.
The ESSA shifted decision-making from a federal to a state level. While it still requires standardized testing, that is only one factor in measuring success. The ESSA also provides more funding. This gives teachers, students, and families more resources to overcome barriers.
This article discusses the purpose, highlights, and standards of the ESSA.
Purpose
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a law that replaced the NCLB in 2015. Its purpose is to provide high-quality education to all children in the U.S., better prepare students for life after high school, and address barriers for disadvantaged children.
ESSA shifted decision making from the federal to the state level ESSA requires states to get input from familiesESSA includes more than test scores for measuring successESSA provides more grant funding for literacy and programsWith ESSA, disadvantaged schools and students have more resources
ESSA Highlights
ESSA shifts decision-making to a state rather than federal level. It provides states the opportunity to recognize and help low-performing schools.
ESSA also provides more involvement in improvement efforts for parents and the community.
States set high academic challenges. However, they have more flexibility in testing and measuring success. The following are a few highlights from ESSA.
High Expectations and Increased Student Achievement
States are required to set challenging academic standards and be specific about how they will measure those standards. States and school districts must provide state report cards to parents online.
Recognition of Gaps in Achievement
Each state is responsible for identifying and providing solutions for poor-performing schools, students, and subgroups of students.
What this means for teachers: Teachers receive appropriate training and instructional materials. They remain aware of student expectations and if students or subgroups of students are improving or falling behind.
Examples of these subgroups of students include:
MinoritiesChildren with disabilitiesChildren who live in povertyEnglish-language learners Children who are homelessChildren who live in foster careChildren of parents who are in the military
More Flexibility at a Local Level
ESSA provides flexibility in decision-making at a local level, including how and when to give standardized tests. While ESSA still requires standardized testing, schools, teachers, and students are not evaluated on tests alone.
What this means for teachers: Teachers recognize students or sub-groups where creative teaching strategies may be needed.
Evaluation includes four academic factors and at least one school quality measurement. This encourages a focus on a well-rounded education that involves social and emotional learning.
Increased Funding
Increased funding provides resources that help high-risk students meet academic standards. This includes activities, programs, or courses to create a well-rounded education.
What this means for teachers: Teachers are no longer evaluated solely on their student’s standardized test scores. This allows them more time and freedom to nurture creativity or mindsets.
A few examples of where schools can use funds can include:
School psychological services School safety Parental engagement Music or art courses After-school or summer programs Physical education
Standards
ESSA ensures that states set high academic standards for all schools and students. Schools assess performance in reading, math, and science. The standards also apply to teacher training, curriculum, and instructor materials.
What this means for teachers: Increased funding can help teachers receive more training and professional development.
Academic Standards
States and schools set challenging standards that apply to all students. Academic standards define what each student should learn for each grade.
Annual Testing
Like the NCLB, the ESSA requires yearly standardized testing for reading and math for children in third to eighth grade. It also involves testing in science at least three times before graduation.
The ESSA allows for flexibility regarding the types and timing of the tests. Schools can decide to test once a year or several times throughout the year.
School Accountability
The state submits its plan for standards and evaluation to the federal government for approval. Once approved, states measure how schools are doing and hold them accountable for student learning and achievement.
While tests scores may still be a factor, ESSA encourages states to measure success in additional ways. States choose at least four academic factors and one school factor for evaluation.
Reading and Literacy Programs
ESSA emphasizes providing resources to students, subgroups, or schools that are falling behind. This includes creating programs such as the National Center on Improving Literacy. It focuses on reading, comprehension, and literacy skills for children with disabilities, including dyslexia.
Graduation ratesEnglish-language proficiency testsAdvanced courseworkProgressAbsenteeismCollege readinessSchool culture
ESSA provides funding to help schools increase literacy by providing up to $192 million in grant funds to states and schools that struggle in this area.
Summary
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the education policy or law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2015. The ESSA’s purpose is to provide high-quality education to all students. It shifts decision-making from a federal to a state level, giving states more flexibility.
While states set high academic standards for all students, they have more say about measuring and testing. One of the act’s goals is faster recognition and use of resources for students, subgroups, or schools who are falling behind.
A Word From Verywell
If you are a parent or caregiver, you may have questions about what ESSA means for you, your family, and the community. One of the most positive aspects of ESSA is that it requires states to get input from parents and families as they create state plans and work on improvement. If you want to be more involved, reach out to your school district or state education department to learn more.
