What does the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) aim to improve?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) primarily aims to enhance accountability and promote school improvement across the United States. It replaces the No Child Left Behind Act and shifts focus toward providing a framework for states to design their own educational standards and assessment systems. The act requires states to establish accountability systems that include multiple measures of student success, rather than relying solely on standardized test scores. ESSA emphasizes the importance of supporting struggling schools, offering them resources and strategies to improve student outcomes.

Additionally, the act seeks to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to a high-quality education and the necessary supports to succeed. By stressing accountability and flexibility, ESSA encourages states to implement innovative practices that cater more effectively to the diverse needs of their student populations.