What year was the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) first passed?

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was first passed in 1965. This landmark legislation was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiative and aimed to provide federal funding to improve education, particularly in low-income areas. It emphasized equal access to education and sought to address educational disadvantages faced by students from impoverished backgrounds.

The success of ESEA led to several reauthorizations and amendments over the years, with significant policy shifts, including the introduction of accountability measures and standardized testing. Understanding the historical context of ESEA is crucial for school leaders, as it laid the groundwork for subsequent educational funding and reform efforts and highlighted the federal government's role in promoting equitable education.