Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB, 2001) to reduce federal micromanagement of schools while maintaining accountability. It aimed to give states more flexibility in setting standards and measuring student success.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) established federal aid to schools. NCLB (2001) added strict federal testing/accountability requirements. ESSA rebalanced federal and state roles.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters see ESSA as a better balance between federal oversight and state/local control. Critics argue federal testing requirements still interfere with true local autonomy and create teaching-to-the-test environments.

5) Who or What It Controls

States (must design accountability systems, identify struggling schools, and submit plans to the U.S. Department of Education)
Local school districts and schools (implement standards, provide interventions)
Students and parents (gain transparency through report cards and data)

6) Key Sections / Citations

20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.
Title I: Improving Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
Title II: Preparing, Training, and Recruiting Teachers and Principals
Title IV: Student Support and Academic Enrichment

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

States continue to develop unique accountability systems under ESSA’s framework
Debates persist over testing frequency and federal enforcement authority
COVID-19 disruptions renewed arguments about standardized testing and accountability waivers

8) Official Sources