The A PLUS Act would let a state ask the Secretary of Education to combine certain federal education funds and use them for educational purposes allowed by state law. The funds cannot include funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A state's plan could last up to five years. The state would need to follow civil rights laws, support educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, and report student progress and how it used the funds. The Secretary would have 60 days to review a plan; if no action is taken by then, it would be considered approved.
If a state chooses to use this option, it could have more flexibility in managing eligible federal education funds. The state would have to share annual reports on student progress and fund use with parents and the public. The bill also requires participation for private school students and teachers in supported activities.
The text does not provide a total cost or estimate of savings. It limits state administrative expenses to 1% of the covered federal funds, or 3% if the state does not include Title I, Part A funds.
The bill's stated purposes are to give states and local communities more flexibility, reduce administrative and compliance burdens, and maintain public accountability for student achievement, especially for disadvantaged students.
No publicly available information.