A-PLUS Act Lets States Merge Federal Education Funds, Excluding Special Needs: 5-Year Flexibility Plan Starts After Approval

The "Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success (A-PLUS) Act" greenlights states to combine various federal education funds they receive under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), aiming to boost student achievement with fewer strings attached. Think of it like this: instead of several pots of money earmarked for specific uses, states get one bigger, more flexible pot—except for funds designated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which are kept separate (SEC. 4). The stated goals are to give states more control, cut down on red tape, and ensure accountability (SEC. 2). The catch? States have to show how they're using the money and if it's actually helping students.

State's Choice

This bill essentially lets states decide how to spend a big chunk of federal education money, as long as it's for "educational purposes permitted by state law" (SEC. 4). A state wanting in submits a "declaration of intent"—basically, a plan—to the U.S. Secretary of Education. This plan, authorized by top state officials (like the Governor), outlines which federal programs they're consolidating, promises compliance with civil rights laws, and commits to helping disadvantaged students (SEC. 4). States also have to show they're not just swapping federal money for state funding—they have to keep up their own spending (SEC. 4). The Secretary has 60 days to review the plan, and if they don't act, it's automatically approved (SEC. 4). Once approved, the declaration lasts for up to five years (SEC. 4). States that combine and use these funds must offer private school students and teachers equitable participation. (SEC. 7).

Show Your Work

Accountability is a major theme here. States have to create a system to track student progress and publicly report on it annually, breaking down results by demographics and showing how federal funds were used (SEC. 5). This is where the "show your work" part comes in—states need to demonstrate they're closing achievement gaps and improving opportunities, especially for kids who are behind. For example, a state might use the combined funds to implement a new reading program in low-performing schools or offer extra tutoring for struggling students. They'd then need to report on whether reading scores improved and if the gap between different student groups narrowed.

Real-World Wrinkles

While the A-PLUS Act aims for flexibility and efficiency, there are some potential hitches. For example, the bill limits administrative expenses to 1% of the total federal funds received, or 3% if certain programs aren't included (SEC. 6). That sounds good, but it could also mean less oversight. The biggest question mark hangs over how each state will define "educational purposes." This broad language could lead to very different spending choices across states. While some might invest heavily in early childhood education, others might prioritize technology upgrades or teacher training. The exclusion of IDEA funds is also significant, meaning programs for students with disabilities won't benefit from this increased flexibility and could potentially see reduced resources if states aren't careful to maintain separate, adequate funding streams. It will be up to the states to prove that they are actually serving all the students, not just some.