Congress Works to Improve Our Schools
It’s that time of year again - back to school time. But this year is a little different, as comprehensive education
reform will soon be coming to schools across the nation.
Congress and the President are intent on enacting reforms to ensure that all children have a chance at a quality
education. The bipartisan plan that passed the House focuses attention on improving struggling schools while
demanding high standards for all students.
Both the House and Senate have passed legislation increasing federal support for education while providing
states with the flexibility to meet the needs of their students. While the two bills are somewhat different, each
contains reform measures that will go far in preparing America’s students for the future. In the coming months
Congress will take final action on this comprehensive reform package, including those elements that will have
the greatest positive impact on our schools.
By emphasizing an Early Reading First program that will implement reading programs in pre-school and Head
Start programs we are keeping President Bush’s pledge to leave no child behind. Further, the legislation
approved in the House authorizes assistance for programs to improve youth financial literacy - an idea
endorsed by Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan, which I introduced as independent legislation.
This plan will also serve to keep parents involved in their child’s progress by improving our ability to track a
student’s performance. Schools will be better able to discover a child’s strengths and weaknesses, rewarding
achievement and providing tutoring and additional assistance for those who fall behind.
Giving school districts the power to tailor programs will ensure that every child receives the best education
available. Both the President and Congress agree that parents, teachers, and school boards know best the
particular needs of their students.
These reforms stress the basic skills while giving schools the flexibility to achieve results. By working with
members of both parties, Congress has set a course for restoring excellence to our schools.
