The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): What It Means for Students With Disabilities and Music Educators

On December 10, 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (P.L. 114-95), legislation which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and replaces the widely criticized No Child Left Behind Act. After various versions were offered, rejected, or revised, the ESSA ultimately passed both chambers of Congress with strong bipartisan support. The general consensus, from special educators, is the new federal law, which grants significantly more power to states while continuing to require reporting from schools about the capabilities of their students, is a step in the right direction for all students, including those with disabilities. Music educators have celebrated the law for its specification of music as part of a “well-rounded education.” The purpose of this article is to provide background on ESSA and to discuss implications of this law for students with disabilities and music educators.