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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

A New Education Law

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation's schools. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation's national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.

The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.

For example, today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs. Dropout rates are at historic lows. And more students are going to college than ever before. These achievements provide a firm foundation for further work to expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes under ESSA.

The previous version of the law, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, was enacted in 2002. NCLB represented a significant step forward for our nation's children in many respects, particularly as it shined a light on where students were making progress and where they needed additional support, regardless of race, income, zip code, disability, home language, or background. The law was scheduled for revision in 2007, and, over time, NCLB's prescriptive requirements became increasingly unworkable for schools and educators. Recognizing this fact, in 2010, the Obama administration joined a call from educators and families to create a better law that focused on the clear goal of fully preparing all students for success in college and careers.

Congress has now responded to that call.

The Every Student Succeeds Act reflects many of the priorities of this administration.

State and Local Report Cards

Resources

ESSA Flexibilities

Final Regulations

Proposed Regulations

Guidance and Regulatory Information

ESSA Transition FAQs, Webinars, and Dear Colleague Letters

Title II, Part A

Title III, Part A

Children in Foster Care

Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Technical Assistance

  • Click here to find additional technical assistance tools, resources, and information to support ESSA implementation.

Public Notice

ESSA Regional Public Meetings:
All public hearings were held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

University of California Los Angeles, Carnesale Commons: (January 19, 2016)

U.S. Department of Education:(January 11, 2016)

Negotiated Rulemaking

Other Links

Archived Information

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    • Note The documents below are for informational purposes only.

Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has passed, and the President has signed, a resolution of disapproval of the accountability and State plans final regulations that were published on November 29, 2016 (81 FR 86076). The resolution of disapproval invalidates the accountability and State plan final regulations which are no longer applicable.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
Page Last Reviewed:
August 19, 2024