A PLUS Act

The Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success (A PLUS) Act aims to provide states with increased flexibility in managing federal education funds to improve academic achievement and implement education reforms. It seeks to reduce the administrative costs and compliance burdens associated with federal education programs, allowing states to focus resources more effectively on improving academic outcomes, especially for disadvantaged children. Under this Act, states can submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education, authorizing them to receive and manage consolidated federal funds according to their own educational policies. This declaration allows states to include most federal education programs, though funds from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are specifically excluded from consolidation. Once consolidated, these funds can be used for any educational purpose permitted by state law, giving states broad discretion. States are also required to modify or eliminate their own fiscal and accounting barriers to facilitate local educational agencies' ability to consolidate funds from various sources. Each declaration of intent, which can last up to five years, must include assurances regarding fiscal controls, compliance with federal civil rights laws, and a plan for maintaining direct accountability to parents and citizens. States operating under this system must establish an accountability system and annually disseminate a report on student progress, including disaggregated data and details on how federal funds were used to improve achievement and reduce disparities. The Act also limits administrative expenses to a small percentage of the consolidated funds and mandates equitable participation for private school children and teachers.