Senate passes ESSA, poised to replace No Child Left Behind

In an overwhelming 85 to 12 vote Wednesday, the Senate passed a major education bill which shifts accountability to states.

The measure is known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”) and would rewrite the landmark 2002 “No Child Left Behind” law.

Under ESSA, statewide reading and math exams would still be required for Grade 3-8 plus once in high school but it would diminish the high stakes associated with tests at under-performing schools.

Overall, it would limit the government’s role of telling how states and local districts should assess schools and teachers.

Dr. Susan Bunting, superintendent of the Indian River School District, described the act as a welcomed challenge.

“We know best what happens to students in the state of Delaware, and I think we can plan for that.” Explains Dr. Bunting, “Delaware’s one of the those beautiful states where it’s small enough for us to collaborate our ideas and to actually make a lot of progress because our joint efforts.”

In a statement, Maryland U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said he was proud of the new act because it supports children both physically and mentally.

“The approved bill includes an amendment I offered with Senator Roy Blunt (R, Mo.) to allow schools in low-income areas to use federal resources under Title I to provide school-based mental health programs. School-based mental health programs have been proven to increase educational outcomes, decrease absences and improve student achievement.” Says Senator Cardin.

The bill is expected to be signed by President Barack Obama on Wednesday at 11 a.m.