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Virginia is in the midst of implementing its plan under the new federal education law, with the most significant change coming later this month.

The Every Student Succeeds Act, more commonly known as ESSA, is the new federal law governing education in the U.S. Each state has a specific ESSA plan and provisions take effect this school year.

Virginia’s plan features a new accreditation system. As plans are being implemented, here are answers to common questions about ESSA, Virginia’s plan and what it all means.

What exactly is ESSA?

The Every Student Succeeds Act allows the federal government to support national and local education goals with grants and other resources. It limits the Betsy DeVos-led U.S. Department of Education’s power in K-12 schools, giving more authority to state and local governments.

The new law replaces No Child Left Behind, the education staple of George W. Bush’s presidency.

How did it come to be?

No Child Left Behind drew immediate criticism for its intense focus on test scores when it was signed into law in 2002. Many states received waivers that allowed them to miss key elements of the law without penalties.