On the recordJuly 8, 2015
The present law only requires that States identify achievement gaps and prescribes exactly what has to be done to address the achievement gaps. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all prescription has often failed to effectively address the achievement gaps. The underlying bill goes overboard by eliminating any requirement that something gets done. The gentleman's amendment reinstates the requirement that something be done, but directs the States to develop their own locally tailored response to achievement gaps. This approach is much more likely to be effective and will be part of the Democratic substitute that will be voted on shortly. Mr. Chairman, before we leave the bill, I would like to thank many members of our staff that have worked on this bill since January. They have spent days and nights and weekends working on the bill, and I would like to acknowledge them and their work today. Denise Forte, Jacque Chevalier, Christian Haines, Ashlyn Holeyfield, Arika Trim, Tina Hone, Tylease Alli, Kiara Pesante, and Brian Kennedy all worked very hard on this bill and deserve significant recognition.
