Lisa Murkowski: “the conference report we have before us represents the first comprehensive overhaul of the Federal Elementary and…”

“the conference report we have before us represents the first comprehensive overhaul of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, ESEA, in 35 years. And from what all of us have learned, overhaul is mandatory. Since 1965, the Federal Government has pumped more than $135 billion into our educational system. Yet despite this infusion of funds, achievement gaps between students rich and poor, disadvantaged and affluent remain wide. In fact, only 13 percent of low-income fourth graders score at or above the ``proficient'' level on reading tests. As the 2000 National Assessment of Education Progress shows, the reading scores of fourth grade students have shown no improvements since 1992. That is unacceptable. This conference report reflects the four principles underlying President Bush's education reform plan--accountability and testing; flexibility and local control; funding for what works, and expanded parental options. President Bush promised that he would bring Democrats and Republicans together to develop an education plan that puts children first. And this conference report reflects that commitment.”