As the federal government continues to phase out the No Child Left Behind Act, states are seeking flexibility through waivers under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These waivers, which allow states to deviate from federal education standards, are poised to significantly impact the K-12 market. In a recent analysis, experts have identified three key areas where state ESSA waivers may change the market: the rise of alternative accountability measures, the shift towards more personalized learning approaches, and the increased focus on community engagement in education decision-making. However, the waivers may also have a limited impact in other areas, such as teacher evaluations and school funding formulas, where states may be hesitant to diverge from federal guidelines. As states navigate the complexities of ESSA waivers, educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are closely watching to see how these changes will shape the future of K-12 education.
3 Ways State ESSA Waivers May Change the K-12 Market — And 3 Ways They Don’t Education Week