2016 Local Approach Benefits Education
This article discusses the recent reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Action, known as Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The recent reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Action, known as ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act – acknowledges that past attempts (e.g. Race to the Top) by government to tell educators how to improve their schools have fallen short. Studies suggest that’s not surprising. While we commend the attention and efforts the federal government has shown for the nation’s school performance, we applaud the shift to localized, statewide accountability. A great deal of research, including our own, has found that what works in improving performance in schools is allowing educators to use evidence to guide locally determined, continuous improvement efforts that take into account every child’s well-being.
