In the Headlines brings you background information and trends behind the news, drawing on Public Agenda Online's more than 3,000 pages of public opinion analysis and information. In the Headlines is updated every weekday, and can also be delivered directly to you by e-mail when you sign up for our free weekly Public Agenda Alert . The program would give local districts more control over government funds, impose regular student testing, and implement a literacy program to ensure all children can read by third grade.
School vouchers are also part of the program.
Failing schools will get more federal money for three years in order to make improvements. If a school continues to fail, the federal funds will be used for other purposes, including vouchers for tuition at private schools and transportation for students to better-performing public schools. Bush's plan is based on policies enacted in his home state of Texas. They included annual testing, more charter schools, a reading emphasis on phonic and English immersion. Democrats are expected to counter Bush's plan with proposals that will concentrate on failing schools, but omit vouchers.