Tom Harkin: “I thank the Senator for pointing this out. It is true, it is the first time since 1965 we have not reauthorized the…”

“I thank the Senator for pointing this out. It is true, it is the first time since 1965 we have not reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. What the Federal Government has done since the adoption of that bill, since 1965, as the Senator knows, is we have filled in the gaps. Obviously, education still remains a local and State obligation, as we want it to be, but we recognized there were certain gaps. For example, disadvantaged students: We came up with the title I program to provide needed funds to States to help educate disadvantaged children in disadvantaged areas. I do not think there is a Governor anywhere in this country who does not like title I, or educators. Since we set up title I, it has done great things for our kids. That is at stake here. Without reauthorization, we cannot give guidance and funds to title I. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: for kids with disabilities, is another example of what will slip through the cracks in terms of bringing us into the new century and addressing the new problems in education. Teacher training is a very vital component of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide guidance and, yes, support for teacher training, for example, in new technologies, such as closing the digital divide. This is all part of that. This will all fall through the cracks.”