ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) flexibility provides a voluntary opportunity for states to be released from certain requirements of NCLB (No Child Left Behind). In exchange, states will lead efforts to raise standards so they focus on college and careers, help teachers and principals focus on teaching and learning, and improve all schools, especially the lowest-performing schools and schools with the largest achievement gaps. Further, schools now labeled as "in need of improvement" under NCLB will be more fairly judged through a focus on student and school progress. This paper presents the benefits of ESEA flexibility and presents a brief history of ESEA. Tips for what individuals can do about ESEA are also presented.