On the recordMarch 8, 2010
I rise today, joined by my colleague Senator Grassley, to introduce legislation on behalf of the millions of talented, high-achieving American students who every day, despite our best efforts, are being left behind. When we talk about reducing the achievement gap, we usually think of helping economically disadvantaged kids who are having a tough time in school keep up with their peers. Unfortunately, there is also a growing gap between high-achieving kids from high-earning families and students with just as much potential and talent who come from difficult economic circumstances. Potential is being squandered every day. Tragically, some estimates indicate that one in five of our highest-achieving students drops out of school. That is 20 percent of our best and brightest students, the hope of our nation and the key to our economic competitiveness in the 21st century, left behind. Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. So, today I introduce the Equity in Excellence Act of 2010, designed to eliminate this gap among high-achieving students by helping talented but economically disadvantaged kids find the challenging and enriching materials and programs they need to stay in school and on track.
