Republicans on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee today released four principles to guide the eventual reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act: Restoring Local Control; Empowering Parents; Letting Teachers Teach; and Protecting Taxpayers. The principles, which were developed by a Republican working group in anticipation of the upcoming overhaul of the nation’s primary K-12 education law, identify key objectives for ensuring student success in the 21st century.
“Republicans are committed to a strong educational system that prepares our children for success. We have listened to parents, teachers, principals, and school boards, and we know there is not a one-size-fits-all federal solution to the challenges that face our schools," said Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the panel’s top Republican. “These four principles will help guide federal efforts to reform education laws that aren’t working well and ensure schools have the tools and flexibility they need to prepare their students for the future."
The committee is currently accepting public comment in anticipation of an eventual overhaul of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act - currently known as No Child Left Behind. Input and suggestions are being accepted at eseacomments@mail.house.gov.
The Republican principles for ensuring student success in the 21st century follow.
Objectives
1.
Help each child achieve his or her full and unique potential
2.
Give students the tools and knowledge to succeed in the 21st century
3.
Ensure America’s educational system is the best in the world
We will do this by
1.
Restoring Local Control. Academic standards, testing systems, and curriculum should be set by states and local educators-without coercion from the federal government-to ensure those who know our children best are able to shape their education to excel in college and the workplace.
2.
Empowering Parents. Parents should have a greater role in selecting and participating in the learning environment that best serves their children’s needs.
3.
Letting Teachers Teach. Onerous federal requirements should be removed to ensure our teachers and local schools have the freedom to operate and innovate as they think best.
4.
Protecting Taxpayers. Taxpayer dollars should be spent wisely, eliminating ineffective programs and making investments that help students achieve success on an increasingly competitive world stage.
