Federal education dollars are currently spread across hundreds of programs administered by 39 different agencies, with states having little incentive to ensure that students learn. Both reform proposals would streamline federal programs, giving states more flexibility. In return, states would lose funds if schools failed to improve. The plans differ in some ways that should be easy to negotiate how much testing to require, how best to consolidate various programs. Conservatives love the idea, but it's a deal breaker for just about everyone else.
Governors get more control, with no requirement that most federal cash goes to the poorest schools.
Aid is tightly targeted to the neediest schools, which pleases liberals but could turn off Congressmen looking to court middle-class constituents. Current law requiring states to test students at least one time each in elementary, middle and high school stays the same. Streamlines more than 50 current federal programs into five performance-based grants. Could face political heat from those wishing to protect programs like Safe and Drug-Free Schools and bilingual education. 2001 Time Inc. All rights reserved.