Dale Kildee: “this amendment, which I offer for myself and Mr. Goodling, represents a bipartisan agreement on the bill's…”

“this amendment, which I offer for myself and Mr. Goodling, represents a bipartisan agreement on the bill's opportunity-to-learn provisions. This amendment: Clearly provides that the implementation of model opportunity-to-learn standards by States, local educational agencies, and schools is voluntary and not mandated; Simplifies the definition of opportunity-to-learn standards; Limits the paperwork burden on local educational agencies and schools; Clarifies that model opportunity-to-learn standards cannot be enforced through litigation; and Recognizes that model opportunity-to-learn standards can be a useful resource for school improvement. Mr. Chairman, this is a compromise in the best sense of the word. It successfully addresses the concerns of many of my Republican colleagues while preserving the original purpose of the Owens amendment. Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of the amendment.”