Improving Americas Schools Act - Book Report/Review Example

The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 changed its federal education policy focus from federal requirements compliance to a focus on flexibility in the improvement of learning and teaching. The Act supported grassroots reform efforts with very minimal or no federal control at all. It also lessened paper work so educators may have more time to concentrate on processes and resources that will improve the learning of children. The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 provided for a waiver authority to reduce stringent requirements that hamper the schools' improvement of their performance.

It also afforded or made available resources to help connect the schools, parents, and communities in their quest to improve the education of the children. The Act moved the federal aid from the individual children to the schools in order to develop accountability in schools for the educational performance and improvement of the children (Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. Report on H.R. 6 "Together with Minority, Supplemental, and Additional Views Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, 103rd Congress, 2d session., 1994"). This also gives the schools more flexibility in using the funds, thus giving increased freedom in creating their own effective programs for better learning opportunities.

There were thirteen amended sections excluding the general provisions, from The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. "The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 contained these amended sections". The titles are enumerated below.Title I - Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards Title II - Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program Title III - Technology for Education of All Students Title IV - Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Title V - Promoting Equity Title VI - Innovative Education Program Strategies Title VII - Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, Language Acquisition Programs Title VIII - Impact Aid Title IX - Indian Education Title X - Programs of National SignificanceTitle XI - Coordinated Services Title XII - School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement Act Title XIII - Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education (H.R. 6 Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, 1994) This paper will focus on Title V - Promoting Equity.

The three parts will be discussed: Magnet Schools Assistance, Women's Educational Equity, and Assistance to Address School Dropout Problems. Title V - Promoting EquityA. Magnet Schools Assistance The Magnet Schools Assistance program gives grants to qualified local educational agencies to put up and operate magnet schools. Funding for Magnet Schools Assistance aids in the integration of public schools by supporting the