By 2017, 11 states had made a big move. They announced major changes or complete do-overs of the Common Core standards. This shows a key shift in how education laws are changing. They aim to reach modern academic goals and push for greatness in education all over the United States.
The Territory of education control is mainly with the states and locals because of the Tenth Amendment. Yet, federal laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) make sure everyone gets equal chance and basic quality in education. These laws set big academic goals that states have to meet.
States update their academic standards every 5 to 10 years. This usually means big changes in what students learn in school. Although these changes happen often, reports like “A Nation At Risk” keep pushing states to set higher and more uniform standards. It’s clear from the results that setting high academic standards doesn’t just influence laws but also how well students do. We see this in the improved scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) during times of intense standards-based reforms.
Key Takeaways
- Academic standards are revised every 5-10 years by most states.
- Federal policies like ESEA, ADA, and IDEA set foundational quality and accessibility standards.
- State and local jurisdictions primarily drive the implementation of education standards.
- 11 states announced major rewrites or replacements of the Common Core by 2017.
- NAEP scores generally trended upward during the peak of standards-based reforms.
- A focus on standards alone, without equal attention to curriculum, is a noted shortcoming.
- Reports like “A Nation At Risk” continue to influence the push for higher education standards.
The Role of Federal and State Policies in Education
The U.S. education policy is a complex mesh of federal and state rules. Acts like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and ADA compliance set national standards. They aim for quality education for all. The Department of Education, though small, oversees a vast network of schools. It impacts over 50 million students across public and private schools.
State and local policies play a significant role in putting federal guidelines into action. They tweak these guidelines to fit local needs. While the federal government provides about 8% of education funding, local sources cover the rest. This emphasizes the critical role of local policies in education. The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) of 1958 highlighted the value of education in science and technology. It paved the way for more education funding from the federal government.
Key Legislation Impacting Education
Important laws have shaped U.S. education. Title IX, for example, fights gender discrimination in schools getting federal funds. It ensures equal opportunities for everyone. ADA makes sure students with disabilities get the right support. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), from 2015, replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). ESSA offers more flexibility and aims to improve education for disadvantaged kids.
Differences in State and Local Education Policies
Education standards vary greatly across states, reflecting local beliefs and goals. While federal acts set overall goals, states adjust them to their needs. Some states get more federal education funds than others, showing the funding disparities. For instance, Alaska and Mississippi get over 13% of their funds from the federal government. New Jersey and Massachusetts get less than 5%. These differences highlight the unique challenges in funding and managing education in each state.
It’s key to understand how federal and state systems interact in education. This complex but united approach aims to offer an inclusive, high-quality education to all students, no matter where they live.
Effect of Academic Standards on Student Achievement
Academic standards are key to measuring student success in U.S. schools. They’re outlined by laws like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). These laws aim for uniform high standards across the country. They set clear goals for students, but not everyone agrees on their impact.
We’ll dive into how ESSA and NCLB have changed school testing and rules.
Implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The ESSA law, started in 2015, changed how schools are judged. It took over from NCLB, introducing more flexibility while keeping the focus on student success. States now set their own tests and rules, which lets them shape policies to fit local needs. This shift was to avoid NCLB’s one-size-fits-all and heavy testing criticism.
With ESSA, some schools with higher standards saw better test scores, especially among top students. But there’s no clear link to more students graduating. Success varies by state, with some schools doing well and others falling short.
Influence of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
NCLB, started in 2002, gave more power to the federal government. It demanded tough tests and clear progress each year. The goal was to narrow the education gap and raise standards. Yet, many criticized its focus on tests and the penalties for schools not hitting marks.
Still, NCLB did raise test scores for some students, mainly those already near the top. But less advanced students often found the tests too hard, raising questions about fairness and effectiveness. NCLB’s mixed results show the challenge of using standards to boost achievement.
Today, the effects of NCLB’s strict tests and rules still influence U.S. education. The newer ESSA law tries to fix some of NCLB’s issues, adapting to lessons learned.
Instructional Time Policies Across the United States
In the United States, the rules for how much time students spend in class change from place to place. Different areas have different needs, so the rules change to meet those needs. These rules help keep education the same for everyone in the country.
Minimum Requirements Set by States
States have different rules about how much students should learn:
- 31 states, including the District of Columbia, mandate at least 180 days of instruction annually.
- 15 states set parameters regarding school start and end dates.
- 27 states leave the determination of start and finish to local school districts.
- 35 states have varying requirements based on grade levels, whether measured in hours, minutes, or days.
- 25 states specify options for year-round schooling.
In Alabama, students need to learn for 180 days or 1,080 hours a year. Alaska requires 740 to 900 hours, depending on the student’s grade. California asks for 180 days of school, but the hours change depending on the grade. Meanwhile, in Georgia, young kids need 4.5 hours of class per day. Older students need up to 5.5 hours.
Flexibility and Adjustments Due to COVID-19
COVID-19 changed how schools operate. States had to find new ways to teach and learn, moving between online and classroom learning. This was recorded by the Education Commission of the States.
States like Kentucky and Louisiana let schools change their daily schedules. They still had to meet the yearly learning goals. This flexibility helped schools keep going during tough times.
This flexibility shows how committed states are to keeping education going. They adapted to COVID-19, keeping students learning whether at home or in school.
Education Standards and Their Impacts on Curriculum Design
Education standards shape the way we design school curriculums in the U.S. The introduction of the Common Core aimed to unify academic standards. It tried to make learning consistent and fair for everyone. However, states still follow their own rules, creating different local curriculums. This mix of common and unique standards shows the complex nature of U.S. education.
Common Core State Standards
The Common Core State Standards aimed to set the same high goals for all students. They started over 25 years ago to bring standard academic goals. These standards detail the skills and knowledge kids need, like in English and Math. For example, they outline how high schoolers should analyze texts. The goal was to help every student get a good education, preparing them for college and jobs.
State-Specific Standards and Their Variability
Even with the push for common standards, each state has its own rules. They often make these standards broader to cover all their educational bases. For instance, New Hampshire has its NH College and Career Ready Standards. These adapt the Common Core to fit the state’s unique educational aims. This shows why states tweak standards to meet their own needs.
The range of standards across states changes how curriculums are designed. The Common Core sets a base, but states make adjustments to suit their needs. This way, they keep the federal standards in mind while also focusing on local relevance. It’s a balance between keeping a national standard and allowing states their own educational freedom.
