What shift in responsibility occurred with the implementation of the Every Child Succeeds Act?

The Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was enacted in December 2015, marked a significant shift in the balance of responsibility in education, particularly in terms of accountability and assessments. Under this legislation, the federal government reduced its direct involvement in state education systems, allowing states more autonomy in determining how to measure student performance and address educational issues. This shift meant that states were given the responsibility to develop their own standards and assessments while still meeting certain federal guidelines.

By empowering states rather than the federal government, ESSA aimed to provide flexibility in education policy and practices. This shift promotes the idea that states are better positioned to understand and address the unique needs of their students and schools. It reflects a trust in state control of educational decisions, which is central to the design of this legislation.