Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) - Definition & Meaning

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is a federal law in the United States that was originally enacted in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty." ESEA is the primary federal legislation governing K-12 education, and it has been reauthorized multiple times, with the most recent reauthorization occurring in 2015 as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Key points about the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) include:

Equity in Education: ESEA was designed to address educational inequalities and improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Title Programs: ESEA includes various programs, often referred to as "Titles," that provide federal funding and support for a range of educational initiatives, including Title I (for schools with high percentages of low-income students), Title II (for professional development), Title III (for English language learners), and others.
Accountability: ESEA requires states to establish educational standards, assessments, and accountability systems to measure student performance and progress. Schools that consistently underperform are subject to interventions.
Flexibility: The reauthorization of ESEA in 2015, under ESSA, provided states with more flexibility in designing their accountability systems and determining how federal funds are used.
Civil Rights Provisions: ESEA includes civil rights provisions aimed at preventing discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or national origin in education.
Impact: ESEA has had a significant impact on education in the United States by directing federal resources to schools serving low-income students and emphasizing data-driven decision-making and accountability.
State and Local Control: While ESEA provides federal funding and guidelines, decisions about curriculum, instruction, and educational practices are primarily made at the state and local levels.

ESEA, through its various reauthorizations, has played a central role in shaping federal education policy in the United States, with a focus on improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, particularly those facing economic and educational challenges.

Other Terms Starting With E

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities refer to any structured activities that take place outside of the regular academic curriculum and provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests, develop skills, and engage in various social, physical, or intellectual endeavors.

ELL Students

ELL (English Language Learner) students are individuals who are in the process of acquiring proficiency in the English language while also receiving instruction in academic content.

e-Learning

e-Learning, short for electronic learning, refers to the use of digital technologies and the internet to facilitate and enhance the learning process.

Exit Exam

An exit exam, also known as a graduation or comprehensive exam, is an assessment administered to students at the end of their academic program to determine whether they have met the required learning outcomes and are eligible for graduation.

Educational Institution

An educational institution refers to an organization or establishment dedicated to providing formal instruction and learning experiences to students of various age groups.

Education Reform

Education reform refers to systematic and intentional changes and improvements made to the educational system to address identified challenges, enhance learning outcomes, and promote equitable and effective education for all students.

Evidence-Based

Evidence-based, in the context of education, refers to practices and decisions that are informed by research, data, and empirical evidence of their effectiveness.

Educational Technology

Educational technology, often referred to as EdTech, encompasses the use of digital tools, resources, and technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and the overall educational experience.

Exam Invigilation

Exam invigilation, also known as exam proctoring, refers to the supervision and monitoring of examinations to ensure their integrity and fairness.

Equity in Education

Equity in education refers to the fair and just treatment of all students, regardless of their individual backgrounds, abilities, or circumstances.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is an educational approach that emphasizes learning through direct experience, reflection, and active engagement.

Enrolled in College

Being enrolled in college means that an individual is officially registered and actively attending classes at a college or university.