Congressional Research Service Reports - 303 Matching Results

Search Results

Education: Federal Concerns: This issue brief analyzes six areas in which Federal policies to address the educational system's current needs are being fashioned (1) services for disadvantaged youth, (2) the financing of post-secondary education, ( 3 ) the level of Federal appropriations for education, ( 4 ) responses to adult illiteracy, (5) international economic competitiveness, and (6) the role of vocational education.
Education Funding Issues for FY89: Congress considers annually the funding level for all programs administered by U.S. Department of Education (ED). The debate in this process has focused on how much the Federal Government should spend on education , and what, if any, program changes might be necessary to achieve these levels.
Education Proposals in Trade Competitiveness Legislation: Improvement on America's competitive position in international trade is one of the major issues confronting the 100th Congress. Most legislative proposals have included provisions for increasing the funding levels for Federal education programs, expanding current programs, or authorizing new programs. The primary goal is to improve the productivity of the Nation's workers by raising the skill level of the workforce. Discussions about education's role i n addressing the competitiveness issue have included the contribution of education to productivity growth, comparisons of the educational achievement of American school children with that of their peers in other nations , the educational needs of illiterate adults , and the role of technology in education.
Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Programs: Reauthorization Issues: This report discusses the reauthorization of most Federal elementary and secondary education programs, which the 100th Congress is currently considering, as well as the creation of several new programs. Issues have included: (1) Federal versus ~tate/local priorities in the use of funds; (2) use of formula grants or competitive grants to allocate funds; (3) services for eligible nonpublic school children; (4) relationship between Federal programs and State-level school reform activities; and (5) information about programs and participants for the Congress.
Civil Rights Legislation: Responses to Grove City College v. Bell: This report discusses how broad should the coverage of Federal civil rights laws be? This was the central issue in the debate over legislation introduced in response to the February 1984 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grove City College v. Bell.
Redefining the Federal Role in Elementary and Secondary Education: The Goals 2000 Proposal and Reauthorization of the ESEA: Report summarizing federal aid for elementary and secondary education, with a focus on the proposals of Goals 2000.
Legislative Prayer and School Prayer: The Constitutional Difference: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing the Constitutional difference between legislative prayer and school prayer. Topics include, descriptions of both types of prayer, their distinctions, and a conclusion on the matter.
Legislative Prayer and School Prayer: The Constitutional Difference: The Supreme Court's decisions holding government-sponsored prayer in the public schools to violate the First Amendment's establishment clause but prayer in legislative assemblies to be constitutional are sometimes lifted up as contradictory. This report summarizes the relevant decisions and identifies the distinctions the Court has drawn between the two situations.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Congressional Intent: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about Congressional intent regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Topics include, benefits of the act, public awareness, funding complications etc..
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Reauthorization Legislation: An Overview: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reauthorization legislation. Topics include, legislation within the 105th Congress, local relief, educational improvements, allocation formulas, etc..
Sex Discrimination in Education: Overview of Title IX: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing an overview of title IX in regards to sex discrimination in education. Topics include, a history of IX, changes attributed to title IX, continuing controversies, etc..
Education Issues in the 105th Congress, 2nd Session: Several education issues are being considered by the 105th Congress. Some of the congressional action results from expiring legislation, such as the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Other action may occur because of debate over the appropriate federal role in education, including federal support for school reform or national testing. This report provides a brief summary of education issues anticipated for the 2nd Session, as well as a synopsis of education activity during the 1st Session.
Goals 2000: Educate America Act Implementation Status and Issues: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about the implementation status and issues in regards to the Educate America Act within Goals 2000. Goals 2000 was an education reform framework enacted in 1994, and this report addresses and assesses the effectiveness and efficacy of Goals 2000 as of the year 1998.
Charter Schools: State Developments and Federal Policy Options: Charter schools are public elementary or secondary schools which are released from a variety of state, local, and possibly federal regulations in return for new forms of accountability in terms of outcomes for pupils. Approximately one-half of the states authorize the establishment of charter schools, and a federal Public Charter Schools (PCS) program provides start-up funds for such schools. The House has passed (H.R. 2616), and the Senate is considering (S. 1380) legislation to modify and expand the PCS program. This report provides background information on charter schools and their characteristics, plus discussion and analysis of current legislation regarding the PCS program. Issues have also arisen regarding the participation of charter schools in other federal aid programs.
Federal Support of School Choice: Background and Options: No Description Available.
Federal Support of School Choice: Background and Options: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about background options in regards to federal support of school choice. This report is regularly updated, and in this edition, includes subjects such as federal aid to school choice programs across the nation such as the Public Charter Schools (PCS) program, and current legislation regarding school choice.
Education Vouchers: The Constitutional Standards: The Court’s decisions permit a limited degree of public aid to be provided directly and a broader range of assistance indirectly. This report sketches the constitutional standards that apply to public aid to sectarian schools and especially to programs of indirect assistance such as education vouchers. It also summarizes recent significant state court decisions involving vouchers.
National Tests: Administration Initiative: The Clinton Administration is encouraging states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to administer new national tests to 4th-grade pupils in reading and 8th-grade pupils in mathematics each year beginning in 2000. Participation in the tests would be voluntary and would not affect a state or LEA’s eligibility for federal aid programs. These tests would be based on existing assessments that were developed with federal financial support. The federal government would oversee the development of the tests, paying the costs for this as well as technical assistance, and the initial round of test administration, using funds under the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE).
Overview of State Charter School Laws: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about state charter school laws. Topics include, all 50 states.
Reading Instruction: New Federal Initiatives: President Clinton has proposed an “America Reads Challenge” program, with the goal of helping all children to read successfully by the end of third grade. On November 8, 1997, the House passed an alternative proposal: H.R. 2614, the “Reading Excellence Act”. The Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources reported a revised version of H.R. 2614 on June 10, 1998. Separately, the conference version of H.R. 2646, the Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools, contains provisions similar to the House-passed version of H.R. 2614. A contingent FY1998 appropriation of $210 million would be used for a new reading initiative if enacted by July 1, 1998.
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, P.L. 105-220: This report is concerned with the federal adult education and literacy programs authorized by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). The report covers funding and spending in the program and how it is budgeted. The report also discusses the consequences of the AEFLA repealing the Adult Education Act (AEA) but continuing some of the programs that were under it.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Amendment Contained in S. 254, 106th Congress: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about an amendment made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amendment outlines the most effective disciplinary actions to be made towards children with disabilities who exhibit violent or dangerous behaviors.
Elementary and Secondary Education: Reconsideration of the Federal Role by the 106th Congress: This report brief provides an overview of legislation to reauthorize the ESEA, Goals 2000, ERDDIA, and NESA.
Information Technology and Elementary and Secondary Education: Current Status and Federal Support: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about the current status and federal report of information technology and elementary and secondary education. Topics include, recent action, major issues, federal policy questions etc..
Class Size Reduction Program: Background and Status: This report provides an overview of the structure and status of the CSR program, the issues raised about the program, early reports on its implementation, and relevant legislative action by the 106th Congress. It also considers emerging results from the California class size reduction effort, the state effort most closely watched by proponents and opponents of the federal CSR program.
Elementary and Secondary School Teachers: Action by the 106th Congress: The quality and quantity of public elementary and secondary school teachers are of increasing concern to the 106th Congress. Although states and localities are responsible for most aspects of teacher preparation, recruitment, and employment, the federal government supports a wide array of programs for teachers. Several of these programs are being considered for amendment and extension by the 106th Congress including the Eisenhower Professional Development program and the Class Size Reduction program. The 106th Congress has before it a wide array of legislative proposals to address teacher issues. Action has occurred on several proposals. This report tracks such action and will be updated as it occurs.
Head Start: Background and Funding: This report examines the history of federal funding for Head Start, which has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1965.
The "E-Rate" Program and Controversies: Passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-104) codified the long standing policy commitment to ensure universal service in the provision of telecommunications services. The 1996 Act also expanded the concept to include, among other principles, that elementary schools and classrooms, and libraries should have access to telecommunications services for educational purposes at discounted rates. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked with implementing the universal provisions of the Act and on May 7, 1997, adopted its order detailing its guidelines.
School Facilities Infrastructure: Background and Legislative Proposals in the 106th Congress: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing background information and legislative proposals in the 106th Congress in regards to school facilities and infrastructure. Topics include, legislative action, enrollment projections and construction, estimates of construction needs, etc..
Education Vouchers: Constitutional Issues and Cases: This report details the constitutional standards that currently apply to indirect aid programs and summarizes all of the pertinent state and federal court decisions, including the Ohio case that will be heard by the Supreme Court. On September 25, 2001, the Supreme Court agreed to review a case raising the controversial issue of the constitutionality of education vouchers. In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris the Sixth Circuit held Ohio’s Pilot Scholarship Program, which provided up to $2500 to help low-income students in Cleveland’s public schools attend private schools in the city, to violate the establishment of religion clause of the First Amendment.
Technology Challenge Programs in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about technology challenges programs in the elementary and secondary education act. Topics include, the technology literacy challenge fund, technology innovation challenge grant, program impact and evaluation, etc..
E-Rate for Schools: Background on Telecommunications Discounts Through the Universal Service Fund: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about telecommunications discounts through the Universal Service Fund, in regards to E-rate for schools. Topics include, impacts on education, current level of access, available federal assistance, application and award process, etc..
Education Savings Accounts for Elementary and Secondary Education: The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-16) that President Bush signed on June 7, 2001, includes these changes, effective after 2001. The most prominent issue they raise is whether the federal government should assist families whose children are educated in private schools. Policy questions include what effect such assistance might have on public schools and student performance and whether it would be constitutional. Concerns have also been expressed that the legislation would create compliance problems and is most likely to benefit better-off families. P.L. 107-22 renamed the accounts Coverdell education savings accounts.
Education for the Disadvantaged: ESEA Title I Allocation Formula Provisions: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) authorizes federal aid to state and local educational agencies (SEAs, LEAs) for the education of disadvantaged children. Title I grants are used to provide supplementary educational and related services to low-achieving children attending schools with relatively high concentrations of pupils from low-income families. Services may be provided at pre-kindergarten through high school levels. Title I has been the anchor of the ESEA since it was first enacted in 1965, and is the largest federal elementary and secondary education assistance program.
Information Technology and Elementary and Secondary Education: Current Status and Federal Support: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about the current status and federal report of information technology and elementary and secondary education. Topics include, recent action, major issues, federal policy questions etc..
Performance-Based Pay for Teachers: CRS Report for Congress entailing information about performance based pay for teachers. Topics include, federal interest, an explanation of what performance based pay is, pay plans for teacher, etc..
Education for the Disadvantaged: ESEA Title I Reauthorization Issues: This issue brief covers only Parts A and E of ESEA Title I. Part A of Title I, grants to LEAs, constitutes over 90% of total Title I funding, while Part E authorizes program evaluation and demonstration projects of innovative practices, including the Comprehensive School Reform Program. Other Parts of Title I authorize the Even Start program of joint services to young disadvantaged children and their parents (Part B), plus aid for the education of migrant (Part C) and neglected or delinquent youth (Part D).
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Discipline Legislation in the 106th Congress: Although Congress described its 1997 changes to discipline provisions in the Individuals withDisabilitiesEducationAct (IDEA) as a “carefulbalance,” it was not long before amendmentsto change the provisionssurfaced. In 1999 the Senate passed S. 254, 106th Cong., the Violent and Repeat Juvenile Accountability and Rehabilitation Act of 1999, and the House passed H.R. 1501, 106th Cong., the Child Safety and Protection Act, both of which contained amendments to IDEA. These amendments would have changed section 615 of IDEA to eliminate IDEA’s different disciplinary procedures for children with disabilities in certain situations. In the Senate the amendment applied to children with disabilities who carry a gun or firearm while in the House the amendment would cover a weapon. These amendments were not enacted.
Telecommunications Discounts for Schools and Libraries: The "E-Rate" Program and Controversies: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about the E-rate program and controversies in regards to telecommunications discounts for schools and libraries. Topics include, recent developments, scope and funding, program status, etc.
Elementary and Secondary Education: Reconsideration of the Federal Role by the 107th Congress: This issue brief provides an overview of legislation to reauthorize the ESEA, ERDDIA, and NESA. Most of it will focus on the ESEA, since it is much larger in scale. We include a summary review of relevant legislation acted upon during the 106th Congress. This issue brief will be updated regularly to reflect current legislative activity. Other issue briefs and reports, listed at the end of this brief, provide more detailed information on individual programs or types of proposals and analyses of the issues being debated with respect to them.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Issues Regarding "Full Funding" of Part B Grants to States: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about issues regarding "full funding" of Part B grants to states in regards to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Topics include, the current funding formula, distributional issues, the cost of special education etc..
Bilingual Education: An Overview: The U.S. Department of Education(ED) administers the Bilingual Education Act (BEA), the federal education program specifically intended for limited English proficient (LEP) children. The Congress considered several proposals to reauthorize the BEA in the 106th Congress. The 107th Congress has again been considering legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including the BEA. H.R. 1, the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” was passed by the House on May 23, 2001. S. 1, the “Better Education for Students and Teachers Act” was reported in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and is currently under consideration, as amended by SA358, in the Senate.
The Federal Emergency Immigrant Education Program: This report discusses the Federal Emergency Immigrant Education Program.
The Alabama School Prayer Case: Chandler v. Siegelman: This report considers the events of Chandler v. James in 1997. The case was a federal district court ruling in Alabama holding up a statute to violate the establishment of religion of the First amendment. The Governor attempted to appeal the court's position to both the Supreme Court and the circuit court but was denied.
ESEA Reauthorization Proposals: Comparison of Major Features of the House and Senate Versions of H.R. 1: The authorizations of appropriations for most programs of federal aid to elementary and secondary (grades K-12) education, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), expired at the end of FY2000. While the 106th Congress extensively considered several bills which would have reauthorized and amended most of these programs, only legislation extending the Impact Aid (ESEA Title VIII) and Even Start Family Literacy (ESEA Title I, Part B) programs was enacted. Selected other programs, such as the Class Size Reduction program, have been initiated and continued solely through annual appropriations legislation.
Funding School Renovation: Qualified Zone Academy Bonds vs. Traditional Tax-Exempt Bonds: Congressional Research Service (CRS) report entailing information about Qualified Zone Academy Bonds vs. traditional tax-exempt bonds in regards to funding school renovations. The report goes over the side effects of the $1.6 billion Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB), like revenue loss. Tables begin on page 4, and the report ends with a summary concluding that the QZAB program is more beneficial to tax payers and borrowers than traditional tax-exempt municipal bonds.
Education Savings Accounts for Elementary and Secondary Education: The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-16) that President Bush signed on June 7, 2001, includes these changes, effective after 2001. The most prominent issue they raise is whether the federal government should assist families whose children are educated in private schools. Policy questions include what effect such assistance might have on public schools and student performance and whether it would be constitutional. Concerns have also been expressed that the legislation would create compliance problems and is most likely to benefit better-off families. P.L. 107-22 renamed the accounts Coverdell education savings accounts.
Elementary and Secondary Education: Accountability and Flexibility in Federal Aid Proposals: The 107th Congress is considering proposals to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Much of the debate over these proposals has been focused on issues related to state and local accountability for, and flexibility in the use of, federal aid funds. Current federal elementary and secondary education assistance programs have a broad range of accountability requirements, including: targeting of resources on specific “high need” pupil groups, localities, or schools; limitations on the authorized uses of funds; fiscal accountability requirements, such as maintenance of effort; procedural requirements, such as parental participation or equitable treatment of pupils attending non-public schools; staff qualifications; reporting; outcome; and evaluation requirements.
Education Vouchers: Constitutional Issues and Cases: This report details the constitutional standards that currently apply to indirect aid programs and summarizes all of the pertinent state and federal court decisions, including the Ohio case that will be heard by the Supreme Court. On September 25, 2001, the Supreme Court agreed to review a case raising the controversial issue of the constitutionality of education vouchers. In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris the Sixth Circuit held Ohio’s Pilot Scholarship Program, which provided up to $2500 to help low-income students in Cleveland’s public schools attend private schools in the city, to violate the establishment of religion clause of the First Amendment.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Full Funding of State Formula: This report discusses Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which assists participating states to serve school-age children with disabilities. The state funding formula, which provides a foundation amount based on states’ FY1999 grants and allocates remaining amounts based on states’ shares of school-age children and of school-age poor children, authorizes a maximum allotment per disabled child served of 40% of the national average per pupil expenditure (APPE). Annual appropriations have never been sufficient to provide each state its maximum allotment; in FY2002, states will receive approximately 16.5% of the national APPE per disabled child served. Some advocates for the program have called upon the Congress to fully fund the formula. An estimated $18.2 billion would be required to provide states the maximum allotment allowed per disabled child served in FY2002, about 2.4 times more than the appropriation of $7.5 billion for FY2002.

Congressional Research Service Reports - 303 Matching Results

Search Results

Add Filters

Applied Filters