Understanding the Every Student Succeeds Act: A Game-Changer for Parents and Schools
Dear Parent,
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is transforming the landscape of education in the United States, offering unprecedented flexibility to states and school districts. This guide is designed to empower you, the most crucial advocate for your child's education, by providing insights into how ESSA can impact your child's schooling experience.
Key Aspects of ESSA
1. Tests
ESSA mandates that states develop challenging academic standards and administer annual tests aligned with those standards. The flexibility here allows states to choose standards and tests that best reflect their educational goals. If your child is in eighth grade and takes a high school-level math test, they may be exempt from the state eighth-grade math test. Furthermore, high school students might have the option to take nationally recognized tests like the ACT or SAT instead of state tests.
2. Accountability
States are required to create accountability systems to enhance student achievement. These systems can include various measures such as test performance, graduation rates, and student growth metrics. For English learners, there are specific provisions regarding their inclusion in accountability systems, offering flexibility in assessment and evaluation.
3. School Support and Improvement
ESSA requires states to identify schools needing support and improvement. Schools are categorized based on performance, and there are options for public school choice if a school is identified for comprehensive support. Improvement funds can be allocated flexibly, and parents are encouraged to participate in developing improvement plans.
4. Student-Focused Activities
States may reserve funds for direct student services, which can include advanced coursework or transportation for students transferring to higher-performing schools. This provision ensures that resources are directly impacting student opportunities and outcomes.
5. Charter Schools
Charter schools, as public schools of choice, can apply for federal funds to innovate and expand. This provides parents with more schooling options tailored to diverse educational needs.
6. Funding Flexibility
ESSA offers significant flexibility in the use of federal funds, allowing states and districts to consolidate resources to better meet student needs. The Student-Centered Funding Pilot is one such initiative that enables the blending of federal, state, and local funds to enhance support for high-need students.
How You Can Make a Difference
Your involvement is crucial in shaping how ESSA is implemented in your state and district. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Engage with your local school board meetings and express your opinions on educational issues.
- Read your state’s ESSA plan and provide feedback.
- Communicate with your child’s school and district to understand how they are leveraging ESSA’s flexibilities.
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