The Every Student Succeeds Act has been on the books since late 2015—in theory, enough time for states and school districts to start making good on its promise as the first overhaul of federal K-12 in more than a decade. In practice, it’s not so simple. The logistical and political challenges of ESSA’s shifts are playing out in stages as the law is phased in. Local and state education officials face tough choices about federal compliance, school improvement, vulnerable students, and more.
At the same time, they’re hoping to make the most of ESSA’s new flexibility as the federal government hands off more of its policymaking authority under the K-12 law.
This Education Week special report offers a big-picture look at the state of play on ESSA nationally, along with deeper dives into issues of school accountability, student assessment, data transparency, and school improvement.