The essence of the Every Student Succeeds Act: More control at the district level?

What is it about?

The Every Student Succeeds Act continues to shift the relationships among state and district governments. Some states have not changed their policies much despite the flexibility afforded under the law, although some have adjusted what measures are included in their accountability systems. State officials are concerned about how to meet requirements for English language learners and students with disabilities. Overall, states are designing more targeted interventions for underperforming districts, and they are focusing on providing supports rather than punishments. But in this era of increased flexibility, it is possible for states to move from one extreme — punitive test-based accountability — to another — laissez-faire leadership.

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Why is it important?

Drawing upon dozens of interviews and surveys, this work explains how state and district officials are interpreting the mandates within the Every Student Succeeds Act.