John Shadegg: “I hope that this is a simple and straightforward amendment. It is premised on the notion, not that the program doesn't…”

“I hope that this is a simple and straightforward amendment. It is premised on the notion, not that the program doesn't work, but rather, that when the task is finished, the funding should stop. This program, the Advanced Credentialing Program, was established by the Congress to develop teacher standards and to have those standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or other nationally certification or credentialing organizations. That task has, in fact, been accomplished. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a private body, has received more than $180 million from the Department of Education since 1991. These Federal funds supported the development and implementation of the certification standards and assessments in 24 different academic fields. That task has now been completed. In addition, since the legislation called for such standards to be established by other nationally recognized certification or credentialing organizations, the Department awarded $32.8 million in a 5-year grant to the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence. That board will receive the final year of its funding in Fiscal Year 2007. By Fiscal Year 2008, the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence will have successfully completed the development and implementation of its teacher credential system.”