Which law emphasizes equity in education and defines the role of accountability in schools?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the law that places a strong emphasis on equity in education and defines the framework for accountability within schools. Enacted in December 2015, ESSA builds upon the principles established by its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), but includes more flexibility for states in how they design their accountability systems.

A key feature of ESSA is its commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education. This law mandates that states create and implement accountability systems that measure school performance and student achievement, holding schools accountable for the educational outcomes of all their students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, ESSA encourages states to develop more holistic measures of school success beyond just test scores, incorporating factors such as student engagement and school climate.

In summary, ESSA is significant for its focus on equity and the establishment of clear accountability measures, ensuring that every student receives the educational support they need to succeed. This positions it distinctly in the landscape of education laws, underscoring the importance of equitable education for all learners.