How ESSA Benefits Your School
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was
FCIS, and the school associations that I am
signed into law December 10, 2015. It rolls
affiliated with remind member schools to
back the federal government’s involvement in
be cautious when accepting any federal
education policy on everything from testing
money as it always expands the liability of
and teacher quality to low-performing schools.
the independent school. There are usually
States will have more input in education
reporting and requirement entanglements that
standards. This is a big change from the 2002
go hand-in-hand with government funding.
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which ESSA
has replaced. The Every Student Succeeds Act
takes full effect in the 2017-18 school year.
United States are in private schools. Many
people don’t realize that private schools are
To get a perspective on how ESSA will
a huge benefit to the American public. If all
affect private schools, Dr. Barbara Hodges,
these children were to return to public schools,
Executive Director of the Florida Council of
the tax burden on everyone would increase.
Independent Schools (FCIS) provided her
insight and wisdom.
14
Currently 9% of school age children in the
Overall, we need to be positive about the
many bright spots in education. We are doing
Without a doubt, the Every Student Succeeds
a better job of caring for the disadvantaged.
Act will impact education in the United
Families have more choices of where to send
States. For private schools, its impact will be
their children to school. Opportunity and
less, but it does offer some benefits. ESSA
corporate scholarships are available to help
will encourage teacher preparation which
failing schools; and many states have voluntary
will create better classroom environments. It
pre-kindergarten programs that we know give
also provides resources for teachers, funding
children a head start in their education. Every
for Title I and Title IIA, as well as a required
child deserves an education and an opportunity.
ombudsman for disputes.
Fortunately, we are doing many things right!