ESSA

  • History of ESEA

    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who believed that "full educational opportunity" should be "our first national goal." From its inception, ESEA was a civil rights law.

    ESSA Highlights

    President Obama signs the Every Student Succeeds Act into law on December 10, 2015. ESSA includes provisions that will help to ensure success for students and schools. Below are just a few.

    The law:

    • Advances equity by upholding critical protections for America's  high-need students
    • Requires all students in America be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers
    • Ensures that vital information is provided to educators, families, students, and communities
    • Helps to support evidence-based  interventions
    • Increases access to high-quality preschool
    • Maintains high expectations for low-performing schools
ESSA Graphic

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)