What's in the Name? Equity Principles and Provisions in State Every Student Succeeds Act Plans

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: The State and Education Reform: A Policy Agenda for Researchers and Policy Makers

Abstract

This study examined the content of 52 approved state The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plans to examine how the concept of equity in education was playing out in state-level ESSA policies and provisions. Results of the analysis revealed that the majority of ESSA plans adopted a stance on equity centered around equitable access to educational resources—including funding and effective educators, with less than half state plans attended to equity in outcomes. However, most of the states did not include a clear definition of equity in their ESSA plans. State ESSA plans also varied on their priority groups and strategies to improve equitable access to educational resources and effective educators. Implications for education policy and research were discussed.

Authors

• Weijia Wang, Colgate University

• Yiting Chu, University of Louisiana at Monroe