ESSA, too, failed
Theoretically, ESSA shifted more power to the states as it quietly replaced NCLB.
Arguably, ESSA did nothing to elevate K–12 student performance during its decade of existence, squandering yet another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for much of the nation’s K–12 population.
Those years are gone forever.
Alyson Klein of Education Week (March 2016): “ESSA was signed into law on December 10, 2015. Replacing NCLB, it rolls back much of the federal government’s big footprint in education policy, on everything from testing and teacher quality to low-performing schools. And it gives new leeway to states in calling the shots.” (emphasis added.)
ESSA’s aims, published by the U.S. Department of Education:
- Increasing transparency: States are required to provide information to parents and the public about student performance, school funding, and school rankings.
- Setting high academic standards: All students are expected to be taught to high academic standards to prepare them for college and careers.
- Supporting local innovation: Local educators and leaders are encouraged to develop evidence-based interventions.
- Expanding access to preschool: ESSA supports programs that increase access to high-quality preschool.
- Holding schools accountable: Schools that are underperforming are expected to take action to improve.
- Providing flexibility for funding: States can use funds for career and technical education, transportation to higher performing schools, and other purposes.
- Defining a well-rounded education: The definition of a well-rounded education includes the arts and music, and Title I funds can be used for arts education.
ESSA lingers on today, thus far replaced by nothing, despite the tragedy that 50% of the nation’s young people are passing through the K-12 pipeline unable to read, write, or do math at minimum NAEP proficiency.
NCLB’s nothingness gave way to ESSA’s. Proud but unprepared, K–12 graduates enter postsecondary life and collide with the harsh reality of competing against better-educated peers in the NAEP top 50%.