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ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act)
President Lyndon Johnson signed the ESEA in 1965 as part of his War on Poverty legislation. This provided federal funding to districts serving low-income students, and stated that, "'full educational opportunity,' should be 'our first national goal (U.S. Department of Education).'" This law still exists today. Department of Education -
Title IX
In 1972, President Nixon signed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. It states that no person can be discriminated against or excluded from participation in any education program or activity receiving federal funding on the basis of sex. Title IX still exists today, and is also well-known for girls' and womens' participation in sports. Title IX -
A Nation At Risk
In 1983, President Reagan presented this report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. It stated that students were falling behind their international competitors. To remedy this, an emphasis was placed on more rigorous standards, especially in english, math, science, social studies, and computer science. These content areas and high standards are still relevant to education today. A Nation At Risk -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002. This reauthorized ESEA, and called for all students to make "Adequate Yearly Progress". This act also mandated high stakes testing and holds schools accountable for student achievement levels on the federal level. High stakes testing still occurs today. No Child Left Behind -
ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)
In 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act. This act reinstated NCLB and ESEA, but allowed local school districts more flexibility to assess standards. It aimed to close educational achievement gaps. ESSA