Biggs Reintroduces Bill to Eliminate Federal Education Standards and Expand School Choice

Arizona Representative Andy Biggs has introduced new legislation that would change how the federal government handles education funding and oversight. H.R.83 would reduce federal control over schools and give parents more choices about their children's education.

Andy Biggs filed the "Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act" earlier this year. This is not his first attempt at this type of reform. He has introduced similar bills in previous years, though none have passed into law.

The legislation would make several changes to current federal education policy. It would remove requirements that tie federal funding to specific academic standards like Common Core. Schools would no longer need to follow federal testing mandates or accountability systems to receive money.

The bill's central feature involves changing how federal education dollars reach students. Currently, the government sends Title I funding directly to school districts. Under Biggs' plan, that money would go to parents instead. Families could then use these funds for private school tuition, charter school fees, or other approved educational expenses.

This system would give states more control over their education policies. Federal oversight would decrease significantly, allowing local communities to make more decisions about how schools operate.

Arizona's Education Ranking

Biggs points to his home state as an example of successful education reform. Arizona ranks second nationally in education freedom, a position it has held for four straight years. The state offers Education Savings Accounts that all families can use for various schooling options.

Arizona performs well in several education categories. It ranks second in school choice options and teacher freedom policies. The state ranks eighth in academic transparency and tenth in civics education requirements. However, Arizona ranks 24th in return on investment for education spending.

The state allows teachers from other states to get licensed easily and does not require specific certification exams. Arizona also has strong parental rights laws that require schools to share curriculum information with families.

"Arizona is a leader in school choice. Parents know what is best for their children, not the government," Biggs stated. "That's why I introduced the Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act.”

The bill reflects ongoing national debates over federal versus state control of education policy and the role of school choice in public education. If passed, it would represent one of the most significant changes to federal education policy in decades.

“I will always fight to limit the federal government's control over our students,” Biggs concluded. 

The legislation would need approval from both chambers of Congress and the president's signature to become law.