Are States Under ESSA Prioritizing Education Leadership to Improve Schools?

This article examines whether states under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are prioritizing education leadership to improve schools. Examining all 52 consolidated plans, we found that while the federal law increases states’ flexibility toward such ends, states have taken advantage to varying degrees. We argue that forces at both the state and federal levels are responsible. Recommendations are further discussed as to how the next reauthorization can better address this important link in practice.