31.   It would have allowed intervention teams to evaluate and provide support for failing schools.

32.   School-by-school rankings would allow the states to move promptly against failing schools and to replicate those shown to be successful.

33.   Supporters say vouchers free children from failing schools and create competition that makes all schools better.

34.   Started about five years ago, the schools allow parents or teachers to petition a national board for permission to take over failing schools.

35.   That recipe includes letter grades for schools based on test scores, extra aid to failing schools, and the potential for vouchers for students in persistently failing schools.

36.   The bill would at least double federal financial aid to high-achieving students in failing schools.

37.   The backlash in Philadelphia shows how deeply communities feel about maintaining control of even failing schools.

38.   The most prominent sanctions are vouchers, which would enable parents of children in failing schools to seek alternatives, including private religious schools.

39.   The plan offers flexibility by allowing students in failing schools to transfer to charter or magnet programs within public school districts.

40.   There is no limit on the number of charter schools that serve primarily students at risk of failing school.