The Elementary and Secondary Education Act at 60: Looking Back and Future Prospect

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This session honors the 60th anniversary of Elementary and Secondary Education Act with an examination of the history and current challenges of the federal role in K12 education. The most recent version of the law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was enacted in 2015 and devolved major responsibilities for accountability to states. The chair will offer context by describing the law’s evolution since 1965. Panelists will assess various facets of ESSA’s implementation in light of recent political and institutional challenges during the Biden and both Trump administrations. Research on funding, rural schools, meeting students’ holistic needs, and challenges for state administration are among the topics to be considered.

Session remarks from each of the four panelists will be followed by moderated Q&A.

Sub Unit

• AERA Science and Policy Sessions

Chair

• Elizabeth H. DeBray, University of Georgia

Participants

• Geoffrey D. Borman, Arizona State University

• Sheneka M. Williams, Michigan State University

• Kara S. Finnigan, University of Michigan

• Walker A. Swain, LPI