Policy Summary

January 23, 2001: The following is a summary compiled by the Center for Education Reform outlining various provisions of President George W. Bush's education proposal.

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION PROPOSAL

        At a White House briefing in front of leading education reformers and the media, President Bush unveiled his plan to improve schools. Since the media reports are plentiful, but thin on details, here are the key provisions expected to be heavily debated in the coming weeks:

• TESTING TO MEASURE PROGRESS: Annual reading and math assessments from grades 3-8 will be required. The state tests will be benchmarked against an annual sampling of students taking the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments, to ensure their rigor. (Link here for more information on Standards and Testing.)
  
  
• REWARDING SUCCESS AND SANCTIONING FAILURE: High performing states meeting accountability requirements will be offered a one-time bonus. States that fail to make adequate progress will first receive assistance, and then come under corrective action and state administrative expenses may be reduced if states fail to meet performance objectives.
  
  
• MORE OPTIONS FOR PARENTS: If a school fails to make adequate progress for three consecutive years, disadvantaged students may use Title I funds to transfer to a higher-performing public or private school, or for tutoring. Funding will be provided to assist charter schools with start-up costs, facilities and other needs. The proposal also creates a school choice fund to demonstrate, develop and provide information about innovative approaches that promote school choice. (Link here for more information on School Choice.)
  
  
• EMPHASIZING READING: An emphasis on research-based reading programs will be backed up by a new pool of funds to support implementing those programs at the local level. Early reading program funds to implement research-based programs could be used for Head Start and other existing pre-school programs.
  
  
• FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES AND CHARTER DISTRICTS: States and districts agreeing to submit to a five-year performance agreement and subject to especially rigorous standards of accountability could become charter states and districts, and would be freed from categorical program requirements. (Link here for more information on Charter Schools.)
  
  
• TEACHER QUALITY: Combines 87 teacher training programs and permits states and school districts to use the funds for teacher training and for innovative programs, including reforming teacher certification, alternative certification, tenure reform, and merit-based teacher performance systems.

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See also: 

• CER Newswire, January 23, 2001

• W.’s A+ PLAN -- THE RIGHT THING TO DO, by Jeanne Allen, National Review Online, January 25, 2001.

• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE BUSH EDUCATION PLAN, By Knight Ridder Newspapers, Seattle Times, January 24, 2001.

• BUSH PRESENTS EDUCATION PLAN, DOWNPLAYS VOUCHERS, Washington Post, January 23, 2001.

• MANY TEACHERS WARY OF VOUCHER PLAN: Bush Proposal Under Fire From Public School Educators, By Anjetta Mcqueen, MSNBC, Associated Press, January 23, 2001

The Center for Education Reform [CER] is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For further information, please call (202) 822-9000.

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