United States Senator Jim DeMint

A-PLUS Act

PURPOSE
A-PLUS offers states flexibility in exchange for proven results.  This bill frees states from the requirements tied to federal education funding and allows states to implement initiatives that work for their schools and students.
A-PLUS reduces the regulatory burdens associated with federal education programs so educators can focus on teaching rather than filling out paperwork.
A-PLUS ensures states are accountable for advancing the academic achievement of all students, especially disadvantaged children.
SUMMARY

• All states would have the option of establishing a five-year Performance Agreement with the Secretary of Education.
• If approved, states would be able to combine funds from a few -- or all -- of the federal education programs that are administered at the state level and would be freed from the requirements of each individual program, allowing states to use the federal funds on proven state initiatives that advance the education priorities of the state.  
• In exchange for this flexibility, participating states have to meet their performance objectives for improving student academic achievement and demonstrate a narrowing of achievement gaps.
• If a state fails to improve academic achievement, their Performance Agreement will be revoked and they would revert back to the prescriptive NCLB system.
• Accountability and student achievement will remain a high priority with A-PLUS, but unlike NCLB, A-PLUS allows states to use alternative accountability systems if they chose to do so.
• A-PLUS requires states to submit to parents, the general public, and the Secretary of Education, annual reports on student progress and the use of funds.

“Rather than continuing to expand the federal government's role in education, the A-PLUS Act would return authority to the state level by allowing states to opt out of No Child Left Behind. States and local policymakers would have greater ability to use federal education funds on local priorities. States could end ineffective or inefficient federal programs and target resources toward more pressing needs. Fewer resources would be consumed by administrative costs and the level of bureaucracy needed to comply with existing federal rules and regulations. States, rather than the federal government, would direct state standards and assessments and maintain transparency for results through public reporting.” -- The Heritage Foundation
“The best way to improve education in America is to empower parents to make the best choice for their children….The A-PLUS Act makes the states ultimately accountable to the parents as opposed to a federal program, thus ensuring greater results in the successful education of the children.” -- The American Association of Christian Schools
“While we firmly believe that educational decisions should be left up to the states and local school boards, not Washington, the A-PLUS Act will move us significantly in this direction.” -- Home School Legal Defense Association
“A-PLUS will give schools more flexibility without sacrificing accountability, parents greater access to their child’s education, and teachers freedom to return to their primary responsibility: teaching.” -- Concerned Women for America