Working for Greater Assessment Flexibility Under the ESSA
The Every Student Succeeds ACT maintains the No Child Left Behind requirement that states test students annually in reading or language arts and math in grades 3-8 and once in grades 10-12, and in science once in each of the following grade spans: 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12. ESSA does include some flexibility to improve testing policies, such as the development and dissemination of performance-based assessments through a pilot program. Under this program, states can develop and implement innovative assessments. The limitations and requirements of the permitted innovation have hampered movement away from mandated standardized tests in a way that is harmful to education quality and student equity. FairTest seeks changes in ESSA that would enhance development and use of educationally beneficial assessments and mitigate the use of and harm caused by excessive testing.
For the actual statutory requirements of ESSA click here.