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Education Reform
We have made great strides in recent years toward improving public education, but unfortunately, we still face huge challenges. In Wisconsin and across the nation, we have seen some gains in math, science and reading, but we still need improvement. And the achievement gap between students from low-income backgrounds and more affluent backgrounds remains alarmingly high.
Three years ago, I joined with a group of moderate Democrats to introduce the Public Education Reinvestment, Reinvention and Responsibility Act, better known as “Three Rs.” We introduced this bill as a middle-ground, common-sense approach to reforming education that focuses on investment and accountability. I am pleased that the final “Leave No Child Behind Act” -- which President Bush signed into law in early 2002 -- incorporates much of the “Three Rs” framework. Specifically, the bill combines real reform, real accountability, and real resources to ensure that our children receive the best education possible.
Like the “Three Rs” bill, the “Leave No Child Behind Act” paves the way to significantly increase Federal funding for education, and authorizes the largest one-year increase in the 36-year history of ESEA. But just as important as increasing funding, this bill makes sure that more of those dollars are targeted to the students and schools who need them the most. In addition to increased funding and targeting, the bill grants more flexibility to States and school districts in using their Federal funds to meet their own needs, without jeopardizing Title I funding that is critical to serving disadvantaged students.
Finally, the new law incorporates many of the strong accountability provisions called for in “Three Rs.” It ensures that schools and districts are making demonstrable gains in closing the achievement gap between low-income and more affluent students. And in addition to requiring tough corrective actions for chronically failing schools, it gives students in failing schools the right to either transfer to a better public school or obtain supplemental services. It also requires States and school districts to publish meaningful report cards on the status of their schools to parents and the public, and expands public school choice options for families.
I recognize that some have raised concerns about several provisions of the new law. First, we must ensure that Congress annually appropriates the funding necessary to make the new reforms work, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will fight to ensure schools receive adequate funding. I also realize that some educators and parents are concerned about the new requirements, called for by President Bush, to annually test all students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. I agree we should carefully monitor the new testing requirements and evaluate their impact on teaching and learning. Finally, we must monitor the new flexibility provided to States and school districts to ensure they are held accountable for results, and ensure that students – particularly disadvantaged students – are receiving the services they need.
Overall, I believe this bill provides real reform and real resources to improve our nation’s public schools. The combination of funding, flexibility, accountability, and proven programs provides a framework for success, but it will take a sustained effort by the Federal government, by States, and by local communities to make these reforms work. I know that by working together, we can do right by all of our nation’s children, ensure their future success, and ultimately, the success of America.
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