H.R.83 - Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.83, the Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act, proposes amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The bill aims to allow states to direct federal education funds for disadvantaged children to follow those children to the public, charter, private, or supplemental educational service program of their choice.
The bill repeals state assessment grants and modifies the allocation of funds to states based on the number of eligible children residing in each state.
It also includes provisions to prevent federal mandates or control over state and local educational content, standards, and assessments, specifically targeting Common Core State Standards.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.83 would shift control of federal education funds from school districts to parents of eligible children, allowing them to choose where their children receive education. This could lead to increased competition among schools and a greater variety of educational options for low-income students.
The elimination of federal mandates could result in diverse educational standards and curricula across states, potentially reducing national uniformity in education. The impact on overall educational quality and equity would depend on how states implement the new provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Parental Choice: Empowers parents, particularly those with low incomes, to select the educational environment that best suits their children's needs.
- Competition Among Schools: Encourages schools to improve their offerings to attract students and retain funding.
- Flexibility for States: Allows states to tailor their educational programs to meet local needs without federal mandates.
- Potential for Innovation: Creates opportunities for new educational models and approaches to emerge.
- Focus on Disadvantaged Children: Directs resources specifically towards the education of low-income students.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Inequality: Could exacerbate disparities between well-funded and underfunded schools, as resources may concentrate in certain areas.
- Lack of Accountability: May reduce oversight and accountability for how funds are used in private schools and supplemental programs.
- Erosion of Public Education: Could weaken public schools if significant numbers of students transfer to private or charter schools.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing the new funding distribution system could create administrative challenges for states.
- Uncertainty in Educational Standards: The elimination of Common Core could lead to inconsistent educational standards across states.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on state control over education aligns with the principle of federalism, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states (Tenth Amendment). However, the potential impact on equal access to education could raise concerns under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, if the changes lead to significant disparities in educational opportunities.
The bill also addresses concerns about federal overreach in education, which some argue infringes upon states' rights to manage their own educational systems. By limiting federal mandates and control over curriculum, the bill seeks to restore a balance between federal and state authority in education.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).