ESEA reauthorization approved by House-Senate conference committee; action needed by CSBA members
Published: November 25, 2015
On Nov. 19, the House-Senate conference committee reached an agreement on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, approving S.1177 with amendments (see below) by a 39-1 vote. Read a summary of the conference framework.
The full conference report bill language is expected to be released Monday, Nov. 30. The House is aiming to vote on the bill on Dec. 2 or 3, with a Senate vote during the week of Dec. 7. If both houses approve the bill, it would be sent to the President by early January. The conference report language is a positive step to reauthorize ESEA, in that it provides decision-making flexibility to states and local districts. Several amendments were made by the conference committee (with bipartisan support) to enhance accountability.
CSBA is asking members to make phone calls to their members of Congress encouraging them to vote to keep the conference committee process moving. Contact your federal legislators directly. Talking points are included.
Key amendments made by the conference committee include:
Title I Funding: Would authorize the Institute of Education Sciences to study the Title I funding formula and report back to Congress. This amendment reflects “formula fairness” efforts that have been pursued this last year to reform the Title I funding mechanisms to reflect greater parity.
Early Childhood Education Programs: Would approve the study of federal investments in early childhood education that would yield useful information on how to make early education more efficient and effective.
Integrated Curricula: Would expand the list of allowable activities in Title IV Academic Enrichment Grants (formerly 21st Century Schools) to improve integration of STEM subjects and the arts.
Testing/Assessments: Would streamline testing, “where federal requirements collide with district and state assessments.” The amendment clarifies that states and districts may set a targeted limit on testing and eliminate unnecessary and duplicative assessments. The measure would limit the overall amount of time students spend taking assessments and allow states and districts the flexibility to address “the problem of over-testing.”
Education Technology/Student Data Privacy: Would amend Title IIA under ESEA on “preparing, training and recruiting high quality teachers and principals” to allow the use of professional development funds for training on the appropriate use of data.
Dropout Prevention: Would increase dropout prevention efforts and offer greater support for student re-entry programs, allowing districts to use existing funds under the new Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program to address dropout prevention.
Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Programs: Would amend Title III on English Language Acquisition to facilitate opportunities for dual/concurrent enrollment as an allowable use of funds. Would also enhance the offering of community college courses to English language learners, allowing students to graduate in five years with a high school diploma and advanced credentials.