Key Points from Lecture on Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Overview

• No Child Left Behind (NCLB): Federal education law enacted in 2002.
  • Criticized for centralizing power in federal government.
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Replaces NCLB, aiming to decentralize power to states and school districts.
  • Focuses on state and district autonomy in decision-making.

Differences Between ESSA and NCLB

• Federal vs. State Power:
  • NCLB centralized federal control; ESSA decentralizes, empowering states and districts.
• Testing Requirements:
  • Annual tests in reading and math for grades 3-8 and once in high school remain.
  • ESSA allows for broader criteria beyond test scores, such as advanced coursework and school climate.
  • States can choose alternative tests like SAT/ACT for high schools.
  • Experimentation with testing formats allowed, e.g., performance tasks instead of bubble tests.

Teacher Requirements

• NCLB: Teachers required to be "highly qualified" (bachelor's degree, state certification).
• ESSA: States decide qualifications and evaluation methods.
  • Flexibility to opt for test-based evaluations or other criteria.

Academic Standards

• ESSA: States must set college readiness standards.
  • Federal government cannot dictate standards (including Common Core).

Addressing Low-Performing Schools

• States must identify and address the bottom 5% of schools and those with high dropout rates.

Implementation Timeline

• Full implementation expected by the 2017-2018 school year.
• State and district-level decisions on student performance and accountability may lead to varied approaches and potential changes.

Summary

• ESSA gives states and districts the flexibility to shape educational policy, testing, and teacher evaluation.
• Encourages innovation and adaptation to local needs while maintaining accountability for student performance.