The Every Student Succeeds Act: Report and Reflection

Brieana Kelly                                                                                                                    6/11/19
Current Issue #2 
Article: State Education Department Announces Updated Resources for Every Students Succeeds Acts Implementation 
Author: JP O'Hare & Jeanne Beattie
Source: NYSED
Publication date: December 20, 2018
Article link: http://www.nysed.gov/news/2018/state-education-department-announces-updated-resources-every-student-succeeds-act

The Every Students Succeeds Act is essentially about promoting educational equity by supporting schools in New York working towards ensuring that every student succeeds. The NYSED website states “New York State is committed to ensuring that all students succeed and thrive in school no matter who they are, where they live, where they go to school, or where they come from.” This is a plan that the U.S. Department of Education approved in January of 2018. This act provides federal funds that are put towards improving education in the nation’s schools.

The ESSA includes a variety of provisions that help to ensure that all schools and students are successful. One of these provisions is that the law will progress fairness by upholding essential protections for all students. The law will also hold all students to high academic standards that will prepare them for life after secondary school. Another one of the provisions is that the law provides for culturally responsive instruction for not only all of the students and school employees, but also for the parents and community members. This act is working towards ensuring that ALL students have the opportunity to receive the best possible education.

            The ESSA has many implications for teaching and learning. “New York State believes that all students, regardless of race, income, background, gender, disability status, primary language, or ZIP code, should have equitable access to the most effective educators.” This act aims to increase the numbers of effective educators in all schools. It also aims to increase the diversity and culturally responsiveness in teaching. It also plans on increasing culturally relevant instruction that is easily understood by all students. In addition, accountability measures are being expanded beyond just English language arts and mathematics to include things like science, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and acquisition of English language proficiency, to support a well-rounded and culturally responsive education. In terms of learning, all students will have access to challenging and engaging curricula. The ESSA state plan has a mission of promoting positive learning environments so that all students are prepared for whatever comes after secondary school for them.

            The ESSA also has some implications for technology. Something that the act specifically addresses is the promotion of using technology for high-quality, personalized learning. This is one of the ways it aims to support all students. The NYSED is also committed to using technology in order to make high-quality course more accessible, for example through online, distance, and blended learning. In addition, The Department will also support professional development that will help teachers to become more fluent in using technology in order to improve learning. Lastly, the school library programs that are built will support digital literacy. Overall, this act seems like a great way to promote the diverse population within the New York State Education System and ensure the success of all students.