James M. Jeffords: “I believe the bill before us is the most dramatic reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since 1965. I…”

“I believe the bill before us is the most dramatic reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since 1965. I would like everyone to understand what is in this bill so they can understand how dramatic an impact it will have upon every school in this Nation. For the first time, we will require all children in grades 3-8 to be annually assessed, and that schools, districts, and States will face consequences if they fail to improve the performance of their students. Each year--year in, year out--every level of education will be held accountable for showing measurable progress for each group of students they serve. This is the central feature of the legislation, and yet, to judge from press reports and editorials, it is very poorly understood. I want to do what I can this evening to make sure it is widely understood in this Nation how dramatic the changes are for which we are about to vote.”