ACTE report: ESEA Reauthorization Bill Passed in House

Posted by ACTE: 03 Dec 2015 05:52 AM PST

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last night to advance the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) developed by a joint conference committee and backed by leaders in both parties and chambers of Congress. After debate and consideration on the House floor, ESSA passed through the full chamber by a vote of 359 to 64 and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

If the legislation passes both chambers and becomes law, it would mark the largest overhaul of federal K-12 education policy since the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002.

Because of its significance for students nationwide and far-reaching implications for education policy, ESSA has received substantial media attention. Education Week, a national publication covering education topics, published a piece on its High School and Beyond blog that included reference to ACTE’s endorsement and a deep dive on the CTE-related components of the bill.

ACTE is proud to endorse ESSA, which places unprecedented emphasis on the critical role that CTE has in every student’s education for college- and career-success. As we previously reported, ESSA includes key provisions to advance and strengthen CTE in secondary schools nationwide.

In preparation for the vote, ACTE worked with our champions in the House to gain their support, and called on ACTE members to contact their Representatives and voice their support for the legislation. We will continue to advocate for ESSA as it advances to the Senate, and encourage ACTE members to visit the CTE Action Center to tell their Senators to vote Yes on ESSA!