Bob Kerrey: “I rise in support of the Ed-Flex bill introduced by Senators Frist and Wyden. I believe it is a responsible way to help…”

“I rise in support of the Ed-Flex bill introduced by Senators Frist and Wyden. I believe it is a responsible way to help our nation's educators meet the challenges that we face in preparing our nation's young people for the 21st century. Ed-Flex gives states the authority to grant waivers of certain Federal requirements to local school districts if such a waiver will help that school district better meet the needs of its students. But in exchange for this flexibility, the local school district must show results. If the district does not show results, the waiver is revoked. Ed-Flex gives school districts flexibility, but it also demands accountability--and we should discuss how to make the accountability measures even stronger. In addition, under Ed-Flex states are limited in the kinds of requirements they are authorized to waive. They cannot waive health and safety requirements or civil rights requirements. And they cannot deny districts the funds they would ordinarily receive under these Federal programs. Furthermore, districts must prove that the waiver they receive truly helps them accomplish the goal it is designed to meet: helping more students learn better.”