Couple of
months ago I received a notice from my kid’s school, saying that the school is
going to schedule a standardized test for all grades (includes kindergarten)
students. I knew that a test is good for parents to have a comprehensive
understanding about how their kids are doing in school, but I was still
surprised then because I have never thought it necessary for 5 years old
kindergarten student to attend any test, no matter how important it is. But after I
learn about the ESSA (Every Student Succeeded Act), my attitude toward the test
changes from opposition to support.
As a
non-America grownup, I know little about any education acts in the US until one
day my kids attends local school and I find a teaching job. Now I get the
opportunity to learn thoroughly about different acts. I find many topics
attract me, like bilingual education, college affordability. But today I would
like to talk about the ESSA, from both angles as parent and teacher. Every
Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), another milestone in education act in American
history was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015[1]. The law replaced its unpopular predecessor, the No Child Left
Behind Act (NCLB), Like
the No Child Left Behind Act, ESSA is a re-authorization of the 1965 Elementary
and Secondary Education Act, which established the American federal government's expanded role in
funding public education[2]. Compared to the NCLB, the ESSA
devolves more power of decisions to states. As the NEA（National
Education Association） says: Every Student Succeeds Act
(ESSA) returns decision making for our nation’s education back where it belongs
- in the hands of local educators, parents and communities - while keeping the
focus on students most in need[3]. It focuses on reducing federal
oversight of education and increasing state flexibility in the use of funds.
Indeed, it’s time to make some changes when the minuses of the NCLB arise. As a
teacher I do object to evaluating teachers and schools by gruffly using a one -
size - fits – all test. Luckily in the ESSA, students’ comprehensive
development no longer only relies on the test score. Teachers now have more
times focus on innovations instead of dealing with the test – oriented
education system. Besides federal test result is meaningless and unfair by
considering different educational level in different states. As parent, I believe
a test standard made by the state or even by local school district would be
more useful and meaningful to the students.
The ESSA
makes me think about the education situation in my country China. Almost all
the vital educational acts make by the Ministration of Education Department. All
provinces execute the acts without changing anything. Taking the College
Entrance Exam for example, every province no matter how advanced or backward in
educational level uses the same standardized test to judge a student’s academic
level. Fortunately, the government realizes the disadvantage of central
control. Now local education department can have the final decision in many
fields, such as what text books students use, how to evaluate teachers and what
test students take. It’s great step in educational innovation. I believe more
progress will be made in the long run.
References
1. Every
Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2016, from
2. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). (n.d.). Retrieved
March 26, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Every_Student_Succeeds_Act#cite_note-Vox:_explainer-2
3. ESSA
Implementation Begins. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2016, from
4. ESSA
Implementation Begins. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2016, from http://www.nea.org/home/65276.htm
5. The innovation and development of education in China.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2016, from http://theory.people.com.cn/GB/40557/134502/141296/
