# Plain Language Summary: Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act

This bill fundamentally changes how federal education funding for low-income students works. Currently, federal money for disadvantaged children goes directly to school districts, which then decide how to spend it. This bill would let that money follow individual low-income students instead, giving families more control over where their children's education dollars go. If a low-income student wants to attend a charter school, private school, or a different public school than their neighborhood school, the federal funding designated for that child would go with them to their chosen school.

The bill calculates a per-pupil amount by dividing the total federal funding by the number of low-income children in each state. States would then decide how to distribute these funds—either directly to schools the child attends or to parents themselves through educational savings accounts. The money could be used for tuition at private schools, charter schools, public schools outside the student's district, or supplemental tutoring programs. This essentially creates a voucher-like system where federal education dollars become portable based on where families choose to send their children.

The bill also includes strong language preventing the federal government from pushing states to adopt Common Core standards or any other standardized academic standards and assessments. It explicitly prohibits federal officials from using funding as leverage to require states to implement specific curricula, testing systems, or accountability measures. This addresses concerns from those who believe education decisions should be made locally rather than by federal mandate.

The practical effect would be significant: low-income families would gain more educational options and flexibility, while school districts that currently receive federal funding based on their low-income student populations could see that funding decrease if families choose to leave. States would have considerable discretion in how to implement the system, meaning the impact would vary depending on state law and how each state chooses to manage the funds.

Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act

Biggs, Andy

Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act This bill&nbsp;revises requirements&nbsp;related to federal&nbsp;education funding for disadvantaged children. Specifically, the bill (1)&nbsp;eliminates the standards, assessments, and academic accountability requirements for state and local educational agencies that receive federal funds for the education of disadvantaged children; (2) requires such funds to be allocated based on the number of children residing in each state who are living in poverty; and (3) allows educational agencies to distribute per-pupil amounts from such funds to parents for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses. The bill prohibits federal officers or employees from mandating academic standards, assessments, curricula, or accountability systems.