A PLUS Act

Increased Flexibility for Local Communities: States and local communities gain added flexibility to determine how to improve academic achievement and implement education reforms (Section 2).

Reduced Administrative Burdens: The bill aims to reduce administrative costs and the compliance burden of Federal education programs to focus resources on academic achievement (Section 2).

Improved Educational Opportunities: The Act requires States to seek to advance educational opportunities for the disadvantaged (Section 4(c)(6)).

Greater Transparency for Parents: States are required to inform parents and the general public regarding student achievement assessment systems to demonstrate progress (Section 5(a)).

Regular Progress Reporting: States must disseminate annual reports to parents and the public describing student performance data and how funds were used to improve achievement (Section 5(c)).

Inclusion of Private Schools: The Act provides for the participation of private school children and teachers in activities assisted under the declaration of intent (Section 7).

Exclusion of Specific Programs: States are prohibited from including any program funded pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act within their declaration of intent (Section 4(b)(1)).

Administrative Spending Limits: The amount a State may expend for administrative expenses is limited to 1 percent of the aggregate amount of Federal funds, or 3 percent if the declaration does not include part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Section 6).