Creating policies to hold schools and districts accountable for student achievement has also been central in a number of the states. For example, with one exception, all of the northeastern states already require, or plan to require, school report cards that include test results. Despite this agreement at the general level, the federal role in education reform is under scrutiny now, as debate has begun on the specifics of reauthorization. Critics of the federal role in education and the categorical funding system under the current ESEA are opposed to additional program direction from Washington. While Republicans in Congress have not yet offered their own ESEA legislation, bills are expected in the House of Representatives this summer that will increase flexibility for schools in exchange for greater accountability and will direct resources to teacher professional development.
Republicans also expect to support increases in special education funding.
In addition to partisan discussions, various professional organizations and advocacy groups are weighing in with their priorities. The standards are too low. The National School Boards Association is advocating increased local flexibility in implementing federal programs, expanded options for technical assistance, and a more comprehensive and coordinated program of research, among other things. Clearly, the time is ripe for state legislators to provide counsel to their Congressional representatives so that the reauthorized ESEA will support their state's reform efforts and priorities. As the reauthorization debate continues and heats up over the coming months, many additional bills on ESEA will surface.