About ESSA

In December of 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into federal law. ESSA, a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, made substantial changes to the previous iteration of the law, known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Most notably, ESSA represents a significant shift of power from the federal government back to the states. The new legislation places states squarely in the driver’s seat by empowering them to develop their own accountability systems that measure student progress and affording them the authority to determine how best to improve student and school performance. 

About Understanding ESSA

This site provides updates from national partners and advocacy groups, and compiles relevant news from state and federal sources in order to serve as a one-stop shop for any interested party seeking guidance and clarity on how states are working to implement the new law with fidelity.

About the Collaborative for Student Success

The Collaborative for Student Success is non-profit organization working to improve public education through a commitment to high standards for all students.