Just as Bush was presenting his education agenda last week, Senators Joe Lieberman and Evan Bayh rolled out their own bill, co-sponsored by 10 centrist "New Democrats." The plans' similarities show how far Republicans have come from their opposition to any federal role in education, and Democrats from believing that money without accountability works. A compromise bill could be the most substantive education reform in 35 years.
Federal education dollars are currently spread across hundreds of programs administered by 39 different agencies, with states having little incentive to ensure that students learn. Both reform proposals would streamline federal programs, giving states...
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