Boxer Introduces Early Learning Proficiency Act

The Early Learning Proficiency Act (S. 1722) makes two small but substantial changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. First, it would require states to issue guidance to local educational agencies about permissible uses of school improvement funds under Title I of the ESEA to serve preschool children. Second, the bill would amend Title III of the ESEA to allow LEAs to use sub grant funds under the English language acquisition and language enhancement program to develop and implement preschool language programs.

Currently, Title I provides financial assistance to LEAs and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet state academic standards. Federal funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state.

Although school districts may already use Title I federal funds for early education, many school districts are either unaware of, or are uncertain of, how to use this authority. S. 1722 would ensure that states provide proper guidance to local schools about how to use Title I funds to educate preschoolers.

<<Back to this week's Monday Morning Report.