No Child Left Behind Overhaul -- Federal Programs Opt-Out

Daines, R-Mont., amendment no. 2110 to the Alexander, R-Tenn., substitute amendment, that would allow states to opt-out of federal programs for up to five years. States would still receive federal funding, though it would be consolidated, like a block grant. Specifically, the amendment would allow states to submit a declaration of intent to the Education secretary that would permit the state to receive federal funds on a consolidated basis, which could be used for any educational purpose allowed under state law. The secretary would need to review the declaration of intent within 60 days and recognize it, unless it does not meet requirements laid out in the amendment for content to be included in the declaration of intent. States would need to establish an accountability system and issue annual student progress reports to parents and the general public. The Alexander substitute would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the law that authorizes federal spending on kindergarten through high school. It would let states decide how to judge schools' success and wouldn't require any type of teacher evaluation. It would require states to continue testing students annually, but would leave it up to states to decide what weight those scores have when rating schools.

Note: A 60 vote threshold was required for adoption of the amendment, pursuant to a unanimous consent agreement.