The Straight A’s Act, HR 2300, has taken an unexpected turn. On Thursday, October 21, the full U.S. House of Representatives passed the Straight A’s Act 213 to 208. Before the vote, however, republican leadership took a whip count and found they would be 20 votes short of passing the bill. As a result, Straight A’s was reduced to a pilot program where only the first ten states who apply have the option to eliminate federal regulations
Unfortunately there is not enough time remaining in this session of Congress to get Straight A’s through the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) has assured us that he will make the bill a high priority next year. Congressional staff believes that the efforts of home schoolers were key in getting Straight A’s passed in the House.
HSLDA supports Straight A’s because it gives federal education funds to the states along with the choice to opt out of failed federal education programs. This would reduce regulatory paperwork and restore local control over education, allowing states and localities to determine the best way to spend federal education dollars.
Recently Republican leaders have been vocal in their support of Straight A’s. Governor Jeb Bush of Florida testified before the U.S. House Budget Committee on September 23, endorsing the Straight “A’s” bill as a measure that would support education reform in his state:
“I am here to fully support the principles behind the Academic Achievement for All Act, or “Straight ‘A’s Act.” States like Florida that are moving toward a truly accountable, performance-based and child-centered system should be given regulatory and funding flexibility to achieve their academic goals… The current federal approach is still based on a model that was designed in the 20th century, and states like Florida are blazing forward with 21st century educational approaches… Right now, federal programs have lots of process, and little or no accountability…”
“[W]ith the Straight A’s Act, Florida’s school districts could use federal funds to support their accountability-driven efforts in the manner they believe best to address their local solutions…”
House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman Bill Goodling (R-PA), sponsor of the Straight A’s bill, made the following remarks at the committee mark-up:
“[States] believe they can improve education even more if they are given the freedom from the federal government to try something different. Who are we to say no? Why would we want to stop anyone from trying a different method in return for improved student achievement—especially when it is generally acknowledged that the current system doesn’t work…”
“What all of this means is that it is time to rethink the Federal role in education, to make bold changes and reforms... Yet, because by definition Federal programs are ’one-size-fits-all, “rapid change is all the more necessary…”
“When we pass Straight A’s, all students,…may finally receive effective instruction and be held to high standards.”
Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA) on Straight A’s: “For decades Washington D.C. has taken more and more control of your local schools. The federal government sends a little bit of money but a truckload of rules and regulations… Republicans believe that one-size-fits all federal education regulations are a relic of the past. They haven’t worked.”
“Our proposal would let your school spend federal education dollars on the things that will most improve your child’s education, instead of having Washington, D.C. decide it for you.”
Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) said, “This bill [American Academic Achievement for All Act] will give more money and more freedom to states so that local school boards can decide how to run their schools.”
Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA) said,“[T]he Straight ‘A’s Act…allows local communities, governors, local school boards more ability to use these resources that meet their priorities.”
“It acknowledges that it’s very difficult for a bureaucrat, a committed, dedicated person in Washington, to understand exactly what might need to be happening in the Speaker’s home state of Illinois, or mine of Georgia.”
Prepared by the legal staff of the National Center for Home Education. Quotes provided by Excellence for Parents and Children and Teachers (EXPECT). EXPECT is a coalition of reform-minded organizations seeking educational excellence for parents, children, and teachers. Home School Legal Defense is a member of the steering committee.
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