Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the nation’s primary federal education law, signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 10, 2015, as a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and was designed to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education while closing achievement gaps between different groups of students.
ESSA represents a shift in federal education policy by returning significant decision-making authority to states and local school districts, while maintaining critical protections for disadvantaged and high-need students. It emphasizes accountability, high academic standards, and evidence-based interventions, while giving schools and educators more flexibility to design programs that meet the unique needs of their students.
ESSA represents a shift in federal education policy by returning significant decision-making authority to states and local school districts, while maintaining critical protections for disadvantaged and high-need students. It emphasizes accountability, high academic standards, and evidence-based interventions, while giving schools and educators more flexibility to design programs that meet the unique needs of their students.
Key Goals of ESSA
ESSA aims to ensure that:
- Every student, regardless of race, income, background, or ZIP code, has access to a quality education.
- States and districts are accountable for improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps.
- Educators have the flexibility to develop innovative solutions to help students succeed.
- Parents, communities, and educators are more involved in shaping education policy and school improvement efforts.
- Schools provide a well-rounded education that supports not only academic achievement but also social, emotional, and career development.
Major Provisions of ESSA
1. State and Local Control
ESSA gives states and local school districts the flexibility to design their own accountability systems, standards, and interventions for struggling schools—while still ensuring transparency and equity for all students.
2. Academic Standards and Assessments
States must set challenging academic standards in reading, math, and science, aligned with readiness for college and careers. States continue to administer standardized tests in grades 3–8 and once in high school, but they have more freedom to determine how these results are used for accountability.
3. Accountability and School Improvement
Instead of relying solely on test scores, ESSA requires states to develop accountability systems that include multiple measures of school quality and student success, such as graduation rates, English language proficiency, and school climate. Schools identified as needing improvement must develop evidence-based plans to raise achievement.
4. Support for Disadvantaged and High-Need Students
ESSA continues strong protections for historically underserved populations, including students from low-income families, English learners, students with disabilities, and students of color. Title I funding remains a cornerstone of the law, providing federal resources to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
5. Teacher and School Leader Development
ESSA supports ongoing professional development, leadership training, and recruitment for teachers and administrators. States are encouraged to implement initiatives that improve teacher effectiveness and promote equitable access to high-quality educators.
6. Well-Rounded Education
Recognizing that student success extends beyond test scores, ESSA promotes programs in STEM, the arts, health, physical education, advanced coursework, and social-emotional learning—ensuring students receive a well-balanced education.
7. Accountability for English Learners
ESSA elevates accountability for English language proficiency by including it as a key indicator in state accountability systems. It supports programs that help English learners attain both academic success and language mastery.
8. Focus on Evidence-Based Practices
ESSA emphasizes that schools must use research-based and data-driven interventions to improve student learning outcomes. This ensures that federal funds are spent on strategies proven to be effective.
ESSA gives states and local school districts the flexibility to design their own accountability systems, standards, and interventions for struggling schools—while still ensuring transparency and equity for all students.
2. Academic Standards and Assessments
States must set challenging academic standards in reading, math, and science, aligned with readiness for college and careers. States continue to administer standardized tests in grades 3–8 and once in high school, but they have more freedom to determine how these results are used for accountability.
3. Accountability and School Improvement
Instead of relying solely on test scores, ESSA requires states to develop accountability systems that include multiple measures of school quality and student success, such as graduation rates, English language proficiency, and school climate. Schools identified as needing improvement must develop evidence-based plans to raise achievement.
4. Support for Disadvantaged and High-Need Students
ESSA continues strong protections for historically underserved populations, including students from low-income families, English learners, students with disabilities, and students of color. Title I funding remains a cornerstone of the law, providing federal resources to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
5. Teacher and School Leader Development
ESSA supports ongoing professional development, leadership training, and recruitment for teachers and administrators. States are encouraged to implement initiatives that improve teacher effectiveness and promote equitable access to high-quality educators.
6. Well-Rounded Education
Recognizing that student success extends beyond test scores, ESSA promotes programs in STEM, the arts, health, physical education, advanced coursework, and social-emotional learning—ensuring students receive a well-balanced education.
7. Accountability for English Learners
ESSA elevates accountability for English language proficiency by including it as a key indicator in state accountability systems. It supports programs that help English learners attain both academic success and language mastery.
8. Focus on Evidence-Based Practices
ESSA emphasizes that schools must use research-based and data-driven interventions to improve student learning outcomes. This ensures that federal funds are spent on strategies proven to be effective.
ESSA and School Counseling
The Every Student Succeeds Act also recognizes the vital role of school counselors and student support services in promoting academic achievement and student well-being. Under ESSA, school counseling programs are considered part of a “well-rounded education” and may receive funding through Title IV, Part A—Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants.
This funding supports:
This funding supports:
- Comprehensive school counseling programs
- Mental health initiatives
- College and career readiness activities
- Safe and supportive learning environments
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs
By aligning with ESSA’s goals, school counselors play an essential role in ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has access to opportunities for success in school, career, and life.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) marks a renewed commitment to equity, accountability, and excellence in American education. It ensures that all students are given the opportunity to succeed, empowers local educators and leaders to design meaningful learning experiences, and underscores the importance of comprehensive support services—including school counseling—in helping every child thrive.
For more information about ESSA, visit the official U.S. Department of Education website:
For more information about ESSA, visit the official U.S. Department of Education website: