On the recordDecember 2, 2015
I have not heard from one parent, student, or teacher who likes No Child Left Behind. Despite what may have been the best of intentions, its one-size-fits-all mandates led to Federal Government micromanagement in the classroom, overtested kids, and anxiety-ridden teachers, but, sadly, no significant improvement in student outcomes. That is why virtually everyone wants to repeal No Child Left Behind. Today we have an opportunity to do just that by supporting the Every Student Succeeds Act. It is a new approach to the Federal role in education. If you read it, there is a lot to like in the bill. By voting for this bill, we can end Federal Common Core mandates and stop the march towards a Federal curriculum. We can end high-stakes testing and abolish the unworkable adequate yearly progress metrics. Best of all, we can give power over education back to the people we trust: the parents, the teachers, and the local school administrators who are best positioned to make good decisions for our kids. Access to a quality education is the gateway to opportunity in modern America. We still have a long way to go before we can make sure every child has that kind of access, but the Every Student Succeeds Act is a big step in the right direction. I urge my colleagues for their support.
