The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his "War on Poverty". The act provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for outstanding achievement in one of three categories:
1) Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years
2) Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years
3) Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program honors schools that have successfully used their ESEA federal funds to improve education for all students, including economically disadvantaged students.
