What is the federal Elementary and Secondary Schools Act?

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) is a landmark federal law that funds primary and secondary education. It's the cornerstone of federal involvement in education in the United States. Originally signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his "War on Poverty," its main goal is to ensure that all children have access to a quality education, regardless of their background or location.

Over the years, ESEA has been reauthorized several times, each time with adjustments and amendments. Key features generally include:

* Funding for disadvantaged students: A significant portion of ESEA funding is allocated to schools with high percentages of low-income students. This is often channeled through Title I programs.

* Accountability: ESEA typically includes provisions for holding schools accountable for student achievement. This has often involved standardized testing and consequences for schools that consistently underperform. The specifics of accountability measures have varied across reauthorizations.

* Programs for specific student populations: ESEA often includes programs targeted at specific groups of students, such as English language learners, students with disabilities, and migrant students.

* Support for improving teaching and learning: Funding may be used to support teacher training, curriculum development, and other initiatives aimed at improving instruction.

The most recent reauthorization, known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, maintained the core goals of ESEA but shifted some of the emphasis from federal control to state and local control in areas like accountability measures and standards. ESSA also emphasizes the importance of well-rounded education and expanded opportunities for students. However, the basic principle of providing federal funding to support elementary and secondary education remains central.