20 U.S.C. § 6301 (EDUCATION)
§ 6301. Statement of purpose
The purpose of this subchapter is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.
(Pub. L. 89–10, title I, § 1001, as added Pub. L. 107–110, title I, § 101, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1439; amended Pub. L. 114–95, title I, § 1001, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1814.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Prior Provisions
text: A prior section 6301, Pub. L. 89–10, title I, § 1001, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, § 101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3519, declared policy and stated purpose of this subchapter, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 107–110.
A prior section 1001 of Pub. L. 89–10 was classified to section 2701 of this title, prior to the general amendment of Pub. L. 89–10 by Pub. L. 103–382.
Another prior section 1001 of Pub. L. 89–10 was renumbered section 9001 and was classified to section 3381 of this title, prior to the general amendment of Pub. L. 89–10 by Pub. L. 103–382.
heading: Amendments
text: 2015—Pub. L. 114–95 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section set forth purpose of subchapter and included provisions relating to how this purpose could be accomplished.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 114–95, § 5, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1806, provided that:
“(a) In General.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act [see Tables for classification], or an amendment made by this Act, this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 2015].
“(b) Noncompetitive Programs.—
With respect to noncompetitive programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 et seq.) under which any funds are allotted by the Secretary of Education to recipients on the basis of a formula, the amendments made by this Act shall be effective beginning on July 1, 2016, except as otherwise provided in such amendments.
“(c) Competitive Programs.—
With respect to programs that are conducted by the Secretary of Education on a competitive basis (and are not programs described in subsection (b)) under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the amendments made by this Act with respect to appropriations for use under such programs shall be effective beginning on October 1, 2016, except as otherwise provided in such amendments.
“(d) Impact Aid.—
With respect to title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.], as amended by this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect with respect to appropriations for use under such title beginning fiscal year 2017, except as otherwise provided in such amendments.
“(e) Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.—
“(1) Effective dates for section 1111 of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection—
“(A) section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be effective through the close of August 1, 2016;
“(B) subsections (c) and (d) of section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311), as amended by this Act, shall take effect beginning with school year 2017–2018; and
“(C) section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)), as amended by this Act, and any other provision of section 1111 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6311), as amended by this Act, which is not described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, shall take effect in a manner consistent with subsection (a).
“(2) Special rule.—
“(A) In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act (including subsection (b) and paragraph (1)), any school or local educational agency described in subparagraph (B) shall continue to implement interventions applicable to such school or local educational agency under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B) until—
“(i) the State plan for the State in which the school or agency is located under section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311), as amended by this Act, is approved under such section (20 U.S.C. 6311); or
“(ii) subsections (c) and (d) of section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311), as amended by this Act, take effect in accordance with paragraph (1)(B),
whichever occurs first.
“(B) Certain schools and local educational agencies.—
A school or local educational agency shall be subject to the requirements of subparagraph (A), if such school or local educational agency has been identified by the State in which the school or local educational agency is located—
“(i) as in need of improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; or
“(ii) as a priority or focus school under a waiver granted by the Secretary of Education under section 9401 [now 8401] of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7861), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.”
heading: Effective Date
text: Pub. L. 107–110, § 5, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1427, provided that:
“(a) In General.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act [see Tables for classification], this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002].
“(b) Noncompetitive Programs.—
With respect to noncompetitive programs under which any funds are allotted by the Secretary of Education to recipients on the basis of a formula, this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on July 1, 2002.
“(c) Competitive Programs.—
With respect to programs that are conducted by the Secretary on a competitive basis, this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect with respect to appropriations for use under those programs for fiscal year 2002.
“(d) Impact Aid.—
With respect to title VIII (Impact Aid) [probably meant title VIII (now VII) of Pub. L. 89–10, 20 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.], this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect with respect to appropriations for use under that title for fiscal year 2002.”
heading: Short Title of 2020 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 116–211, § 1, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1017, provided that: “This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 6393 and 7705 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 2019 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 116–13, § 1, Apr. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 847, provided that: “This Act [enacting subpart 5 of part B of subchapter II of this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 2017 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 115–64, § 1, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1187, provided that: “This Act [amending section 7881 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017’.”
heading: Short Title of 2015 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 114–95, § 1, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1802, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Every Student Succeeds Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 2013 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, § 563(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1744, provided that: “This section [amending sections 7702, 7703, and 7710 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 7702 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Impact Aid Improvement Act of 2012’.”
heading: Short Title of 2002 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 107–110, § 1, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1425, provided that: “This title [probably means Pub. L. 107–110, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘No Child Left Behind Act of 2001’.”
heading: Short Title of 2000 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVI, § 1601], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–328, provided that: “This title [amending sections 6302, 6311, 6361 to 6368, 6369b, 6394, 6661a, 6661i, and 8801 of this title and sections 2023 and 2026 of Title 25, Indians, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 6361 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Literacy Involves Families Together Act’.”
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1701], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–335, provided that: “This title [enacting part F of subchapter III of this chapter, amending section 9134 of this title and section 254 of Title 47, Telecommunications, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7001 and 9134 of this title and sections 254, 609, and 902 of Title 47] may be cited as the ‘Children’s Internet Protection Act’.”
Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title XVIII, § 1801], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–368, provided that: “This title [amending sections 1228, 7701 to 7703, 7705, 7707, 7709 to 7713, and 7714 of this title, repealing section 7706 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7701, 7703, and 7711 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of 2000’.”
heading: Short Title of 1998 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 105–278, § 1, Oct. 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 2682, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 8065a to 8065d of this title and amending sections 7331, 7351, 8061 to 8065, 8066, 8067, and 8801 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Charter School Expansion Act of 1998’.”
Pub. L. 105–277, div. D, title I, § 121, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–756, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle C (§§ 121, 122) of title I of Pub. L. 105–277, enacting section 7144 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Drug-Free Schools Quality Assurance Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 1994 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 103–382, § 1, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3518, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994’.”
Pub. L. 103–227, title X, § 1031, Mar. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 270, provided that: “This part [part B (§§ 1031, 1032) of title X of Pub. L. 103–227, enacting section 3351 of this title and amending sections 3381 to 3384 and 3386 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994’.”
heading: Short Title of 1992 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 102–545, § 1, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3586, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Ready to Learn Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 1991 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 102–103, title I, § 101, Aug. 17, 1991, 105 Stat. 497, provided that: “This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Dropout Prevention Act of 1991’.”
heading: Short Title of 1990 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 101–600, § 1, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3042, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘School Dropout Prevention and Basic Skills Improvement Act of 1990’.”
heading: Short Title of 1989 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 101–226, § 1, Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1928, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989’.”
heading: Short Title of 1988 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 100–569, title II, § 201, Oct. 31, 1988, 102 Stat. 2862, provided that: “This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘National Geography Studies Centers Act’.”
Pub. L. 100–297, § 1(a), Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 130, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement Amendments of 1988’.”
heading: Short Title of 1984 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 98–511, § 1, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2366, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Education Amendments of 1984’.”
Pub. L. 98–511, title IV, § 401(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2389, provided that: “This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Women’s Educational Equity Amendments of 1984’.”
heading: Short Title of 1978 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 95–561, § 1, Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2143, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Education Amendments of 1978’.”
heading: Short Title of 1977 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 95–112, § 1, Sept. 24, 1977, 91 Stat. 911, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Education Amendments of 1977’.”
heading: Short Title of 1974 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 93–380, § 1, Aug. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 484, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Education Amendments of 1974’.”
heading: Short Title of 1970 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 121 [see Tables for classification], is popularly known as the “Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1970”.
heading: Short Title of 1968 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 90–247, § 1, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 783, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1967’.”
heading: Short Title of 1966 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 89–750, § 1, Nov. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 1191, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1966’.”
heading: Short Title
text: Section 1 of Pub. L. 89–10, as added by Pub. L. 103–382, title I, § 101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3519, as amended by Pub. L. 107–110, § 6(1), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1427, provided that: “This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965’.”
Pub. L. 89–10, title X, § 10971, as added by Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title IX, § 901], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–89, which provided that subpart 2 (§§ 10971–10978) of part J of title X of Pub. L. 89–10, enacting subpart 2 of part J of former subchapter X of this chapter, could be cited as the “Rural Education Achievement Program”, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–110, title X, § 1011(5)(A), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1986.
Pub. L. 89–10, title X, § 10999A, as added by Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title VII, § 701], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–76, which provided that part L (§§ 10999A–10999L) of title X of Pub. L. 89–10, enacting part L of former subchapter X of this chapter, could be cited as the “Physical Education for Progress Act”, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–110, title X, § 1011(5)(A), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1986.
heading: Continuation of Awards
text: Pub. L. 107–110, title II, § 202, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1688, provided that:
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Tables for classification] or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.], in the case of—
“(1) a person or entity that, prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002], was awarded funds appropriated under the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2001 [Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title III], see Tables for classification] for new teacher recruitment initiatives; or
“(2) a person or agency that, prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002], was awarded a grant or contract under part K of title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([formerly] 20 U.S.C. 8331 et seq.),
the Secretary of Education shall continue to provide funds in accordance with the terms of such award until the date on which the award period terminates.”
Pub. L. 107–110, title V, § 502, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1873, provided that:
“(a) In General.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Tables for classification] or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), in the case of any agency or consortium that was awarded a grant under section 5111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([formerly] 20 U.S.C. 7211) or any person or agency that was awarded a contract or grant under part B, D, or E of title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([formerly] 20 U.S.C. 8031 et seq., 8091 et seq., 8131 et seq.), prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002], the Secretary of Education shall continue to provide funds in accordance with the terms of such award until the date on which the award period terminates under such terms.
“(b) Special Rule.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any person or agency that was awarded or entered into a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under part B of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([formerly] 20 U.S.C. 7231 et seq.), prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002] shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the terms of such grant, contract, or agreement until the date on which the grant, contract, or agreement period terminates under such terms.”
Pub. L. 107–110, title X, § 1052, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2083, provided that: “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Tables for classification] or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), in the case of a person or entity that was awarded a grant, relating to preparing tomorrow’s teachers to use technology, that was made pursuant to section 3122 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ([formerly] 20 U.S.C. 6832) prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002], the Secretary of Education shall continue to provide funds in accordance with the terms of such award until the date on which the award period terminates.”
heading: Transition Provisions
text: Pub. L. 114–95, § 4, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1805, provided that:
“(a) Funding Authority.—
“(1) Multi-year awards.—
“(A) Programs no longer authorized.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act [see Tables for classification] or the amendments made by this Act, the recipient of a multiyear award under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 2015], under a program that is not authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, and—
“(i) that is not substantively similar to a program authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the terms of such prior award, except that no additional funds for such program may be awarded after September 30, 2016; and
“(ii) that is substantively similar to a program authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the terms of such prior award.
“(B) Authorized programs.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, the recipient of a multiyear award under a program that was authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and that is authorized under such Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the terms of such prior award.
“(2) Planning and transition.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a recipient of funds under a program described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) or (1)(B) may use funds awarded to the recipient under such program, to carry out necessary and reasonable planning and transition activities in order to ensure the recipient’s compliance with the amendments to such program made by this Act.
“(b) Orderly Transition.—
Subject to subsection (a)(1)(A)(i), the Secretary shall take such steps as are necessary to provide for the orderly transition to, and implementation of, programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et. seq.), as amended by this Act, from programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
“(c) Termination of Certain Waivers.—
“(1) In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, and subject to section 5(e)(2) [set out as an Effective Date of 2015 Amendment note above], a waiver described in paragraph (2) shall be null and void and have no legal effect on or after August 1, 2016.
“(2) Waivers.—
A waiver shall be subject to paragraph (1) if the waiver was granted by the Secretary of Education to a State or consortium of local educational agencies under the program first introduced in a letter to chief State school officers dated September 23, 2011, and authorized under section 9401 [now 8401] of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7861), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.”
Pub. L. 107–110, § 4, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1426, provided that:
“(a) Multi-Year Awards.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act [see Tables for classification], the recipient of a multi-year award under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [Pub. L. 89–10, 20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq., prior to general amendment by Pub. L. 107–110], as that Act was in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 8, 2002], shall continue to receive funds in accordance with the terms of that award, except that no additional funds may be awarded after September 30, 2002.
“(b) Planning and Transition.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a recipient of funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as that Act was in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act, may use funds available to the recipient under that predecessor authority to carry out necessary and reasonable planning and transition activities in order to ensure an orderly implementation of programs authorized by this Act, and the amendments made by this Act.
“(c) Orderly Transition.—
The Secretary shall take such steps as are necessary to provide for the orderly transition to, and implementation of, programs authorized by this Act, and by the amendments made by this Act, from programs authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as that Act was in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act.”
Pub. L. 103–382, § 3(b), Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3519, provided that: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a recipient of funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [Pub. L. 89–10, formerly chapter 47 (§ 2701 et seq.) of this title, prior to general amendment by Pub. L. 103–382, § 101], as such Act was in effect on the day preceding the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 20, 1994], may use funds available to such recipient under such predecessor authority to carry out necessary and reasonable planning and transition activities in order to ensure a smooth implementation of programs authorized by this Act [see Tables for classification].”
heading: Budget Compliance
text: Pub. L. 103–382, title V, § 561, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4058, provided that: “Any authority or requirement to make funds available under this Act [see Tables for classification] shall be effective only to the extent provided in appropriations Acts.”
Pub. L. 100–297, title VI, § 6302, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 431, provided that: “Any new spending authority (within the meaning of section 401 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 [2 U.S.C. 651]) which is provided under this Act [see Tables for classification] shall be effective for any fiscal year only to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.”
heading: Definitions
text: Pub. L. 100–297, title VI, § 6301, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 431, provided that: “Except as otherwise provided, for the purpose of this Act [see Tables for classification] the terms used in this Act have the meanings provided under section 1471 of chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [formerly 20 U.S.C. 2891].”
heading: Executive Documents
heading: Ex. Ord. No. 13153. Actions To Improve Low-Performing Schools
text: Ex. Ord. No. 13153, May 3, 2000, 65 F.R. 26475, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.], the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2000 (as contained in Public Law 106–113) [Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title III], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–242, see Tables for classification], and in order to take actions to improve low-performing schools, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Since 1993, this Administration has sought to raise standards for students and to increase accountability in public education while investing more resources in elementary and secondary schools. While much has been accomplished—there has been progress in math and reading achievement, particularly for low-achieving students and students in our highest poverty schools—much more can be done, especially for low-performing schools.
Sec. 2. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. (a) The Secretary of Education (“Secretary”) shall work with State and local educational agencies (“LEAs”) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for providing technical assistance and other assistance to States and LEAs to strengthen their capacity to improve the performance of schools identified as low performing. This comprehensive strategy shall include a number of steps, such as:
(1) providing States, school districts, and schools receiving funds from the school improvement fund established by Public Law 106–113, as well as other districts and schools identified for school improvement or corrective action under Title I of the ESEA [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.], with access to the latest research and information on best practices, including research on instruction and educator professional development, and with the opportunity to learn from exemplary schools and exemplary State and local intervention strategies and from each other, in order to improve achievement for all students in the low-performing schools;
(2) determining effective ways of providing low-performing schools with access to resources from other Department of Education programs, such as funds from the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program, the Reading Excellence Act [Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(f) [title VIII], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–391, see Tables for classification], the Eisenhower Professional Development Program, the Class Size Reduction Program, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, and to make effective use of these funds and Title I funds;
(3) providing States and LEAs with information on effective strategies to improve the quality of the teaching force, including strategies for recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers in high-poverty schools, and implementing research-based professional development programs aligned with challenging standards;
(4) helping States and school districts build partnerships with technical assistance providers, including, but not limited to, federally funded laboratories and centers, foundations, businesses, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, reform model providers, and other organizations that can help local schools improve;
(5) identifying previously low-performing schools that have made significant achievement gains, and States and school districts that have been effective in improving the achievement of all students in low-performing schools, which can serve as models and resources;
(6) providing assistance and information on how to effectively involve parents in the school-improvement process, including effectively involving and informing parents at the beginning of the school year about improvement goals for their school as well as the goals for their own children, and reporting on progress made in achieving these goals;
(7) providing States and LEAs with information on effective approaches to school accountability, including the effectiveness of such strategies as school reconstitution, peer review teams, and financial rewards and incentives;
(8) providing LEAs with information and assistance on the design and implementation of approaches to choice among public schools that create incentives for improvement throughout the local educational agency, especially in the lowest-performing schools, and that maximize the opportunity of students in low-performing schools to attend a higher-performing public school;
(9) exploring the use of well-trained tutors to raise student achievement through initiatives such as “America Reads,” “America Counts,” and other work-study opportunities to help low-performing schools;
(10) using a full range of strategies for disseminating information about effective practices, including interactive electronic communications;
(11) working with the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), to provide technical assistance to BIA-funded low-performing schools; and
(12) taking other steps that can help improve the quality of teaching and instruction in low-performing schools.
(b) The Secretary shall, to the extent permitted by law, take whatever steps the Secretary finds necessary and appropriate to redirect the resources and technical assistance capability of the Department of Education (“Department”) to assist States and localities in improving low-performing schools, and to ensure that the dissemination of research to help turn around low-performing schools is a priority of the Department.
Sec. 3. School Improvement Report. To monitor the progress of LEAs and schools in turning around failing schools, including those receiving grants from the School Improvement Fund, the Secretary shall prepare an annual School Improvement Report, to be published in September of each year, beginning in 2000. The report shall:
(a) describe trends in the numbers of LEAs and schools identified as needing improvement and subsequent changes in the academic performance of their students;
(b) identify best practices and significant research findings that can be used to help turn around low-performing LEAs and schools; and
(c) document ongoing efforts as a result of this order and other Federal efforts to assist States and local school districts in intervening in low-performing schools, including improving teacher quality. This report shall be publicly accessible.
Sec. 4. Compliance Monitoring System. Consistent with the implementation of the School Improvement Fund, the Secretary shall strengthen the Department’s monitoring of ESEA requirements for identifying and turning around low-performing schools, as well as any new requirements established for the School Improvement Fund by Public Law 106–113. The Secretary shall give priority to provisions that have the greatest bearing on identifying and turning around low-performing schools, including sections 1116 and 1117 of the ESEA [former 20 U.S.C. 6316, 6317], and to developing an ongoing, focused, and systematic process for monitoring these provisions. This improved compliance monitoring shall be designed to:
(a) ensure that States and LEAs comply with ESEA requirements;
(b) assist States and LEAs in implementing effective procedures and strategies that reflect the best research available, as well as the experience of successful schools, school districts, and States as they address similar objectives and challenges; and
(c) assist States, LEAs, and schools in making the most effective use of available Federal resources.
Sec. 5. Consultation. The Secretary shall, where appropriate, consult with executive agencies, State and local education officials, educators, community-based groups, and others in carrying out this Executive order.
Sec. 6. Judicial Review. This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person.
William J. Clinton.