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For several years officials have blamed poor student outcomes in public schools on outside factors, such as poverty. Their proposed solution: “wraparound” services that largely duplicate in schools the welfare
Education policy experts in the state criticized the report, and said spending has increased to match the needs of students, including those from low-income families and those with special needs.
Should we pay teachers more? Depends.
Instead of increasing federal spending on education, Congress should provide states with greater spending flexibility, reduce burdensome federal regulations and administrative costs, and allow families and communities to hold states responsible for education outcomes. The coronavirus pandemic only makes states’ need for greater flexibility more poignant. With A PLUS, states could spend their funds on any lawful education purpose under state law, providing the type of flexibility to quickly meet the needs of families and local communities.
The Administration of President Donald Trump has supported the worthwhile goal of advancing school choice for families across the country. The Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success (A-PLUS) proposal, which would restore state and local control of education, is one vehicle for advancing this long-overdue reform.