Bargaining between Senate Republicans, Democrats, and the White House is now going on over changes in the bill before it gets debated on the Senate floor, which might happen as soon as Monday, April 30^th, so immediate action is needed.

Among the biggest changes under discussion between Republicans and Democrats is a proposal to add a "compromise" version of Straight A’s, allowing an initial pilot of 7 states and 25 other school districts to allow them to do virtually whatever they want with their federal funds. Particularly important, in these States and districts, Straight A’s would nullify: (1) all the school-based provisions of Title I (Sec. 1114 and 1115), that spell out for parents the components of a high quality education that their children should get – enriched curriculum aligned with the standards for all children, effective instruction, timely and effective individual help when a student is having difficulty learning a particular standard, and highly qualified staff, who are getting high-quality teacher training – and (2) all the parent involvement requirements (Sec. 1118), which provide a strong role for parents in jointly developing how those quality components will be provided to their children, and the training, information, and assistance for parents to participate. By eliminating Sections 1114, 1115, and 1118 alone, aside from various other problems with the proposal, Straight A’s deserves to be called the "Parent Disempowerment Act." Additionally, by eliminating Section 1119, the staff development section, it also deserves to be called the "Teacher Disempowerment Act." Democrats are heavily focused on getting more money for this year’s education funding. But the Senators need to be told that more money or no, they need to strongly oppose and vote against any education bill that has these Straight A’s provisions.

Among the other changes that are part of the Senate compromise being discussed are (1) a phase-in of the Bush proposal to require State assessments for every grade, 3-8 (current law requires State assessments in at least one elementary, one middle, and one high-school grade); and (2) a supplemental services provision that would allow families in unsuccessful schools to obtain extra services outside the school, including from private providers. It is also expected that one or more voucher proposals will be offered on the Senate floor.

For other important issues that need attention, see our talking points.

H.R. 1 is largely a combination of the House bill in the last Congress and President Bush’s education proposals. It includes a version of Straight A’s that goes even further than the "compromise" under discussion in the Senate – for example, it would be open to all 50 states, and to districts in any states that did not apply. Again the loss of Title I’s Sections 1114, 1115, 1118, and 1119 would nullify both the components of a high-quality education and the provisions for parent involvement.

Among its other provisions, H.R. 1 requires State testing in grades 3 through 8 for school accountability, would provide a form of vouchers for students to go to other public or private schools if their school failed to meet academic performance targets for three years, and would grant immunity to school officials from federal liability for disciplinary action.

Again, for other important issues that need attention, see our talking points.