Legislation Integrating IDEA Act into New Bill Passed by House of Representatives

July 2013 — The Student Success Act [H.R. 5], a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, was approved by the House of Representatives. This is the House’s version of Senate legislation, introduced in June, Strengthening America’s Schools Act of 2013 [S.1094] (SASA).  The H.R. 5, introduced by U.S. Representatives John Kline (R-Minnesota) and Todd Rokita (R-Indiana), “reduces the federal role in education,” in allowing States to create academic and assessment standards for students and implement “State- or local-driven teacher evaluation systems,” while providing “Local Academic Flexible Grants” to allow schools to support “initiatives based on local needs.”  In addition, the bill ensures separate funding for specific populations including migrant students, children who are neglected, delinquent or at risk, students with limited English proficiency, students in rural areas, and American Indian students, while working to support charter schools, magnet schools and direct student services. John Kline, co-sponsor of the bill and Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, highlighted that “the Student Success Act will tear down barriers to progress and grant states and districts the freedom and flexibility they need to think bigger, innovate, and take whatever steps are necessary to raise the bar in schools.” The bill also integrates requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), student assessment standards, and provisions for universal design for technology and innovations used in schools.