Scott Klug: “today's debate over our children's education is proof positive that parents can and do make a difference and that…”

“today's debate over our children's education is proof positive that parents can and do make a difference and that Congress does listen. My office has received just under 1,000 calls and letters. This overwhelming response is indicative of the strength of convictions and overwhelming public outcry that results when the Federal Government messes around in the issue of home schooling, which hinges on whether the Government should interfere with parents' freedom of choice to educate their children away from Federal intrusion. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act [ESEA] has been providing Federal support to our Nation's handicapped and disadvantaged children since it was enacted in 1965 as a part of President Johnson's war on poverty program. The reauthorization of the ESEA, under consideration today, will provide nearly $7.5 billion in grants for schools to provide compensatory education services to disadvantaged children. The program has been restructured to focus on assisting these children to achieve high-performance standards and providing more decisionmaking authority and flexibility at the local level. The bill is not perfect, but it is worthy of support. The controversy today deals with provisions that would require teacher certification and what effects that would have on home schooling and nonpublic schools.”