It directed allotment of Federal funds for education to the chronic. fundamental problem areas that have blighted the Nation for decades. Now. there could be concerted attacks on the deficiencies wracking slum and rural schools. The acts focus on the child. rather than the school attended by the child. allowed application of Federal money to the needs of children of migrant workers. delinquent children. foster children. handicapped children. students in the Department of Defenses overseas schools. and the Department of Interiors schools for Indian children. For the first time ever. it was possible to provide firstclass educational opportunities for students in parochial schools. not fomenting the churchstate debate but actually initiating a peaceful settlement to that perpetual conflict. In short. the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was a historical achievement from every standpoint.