Education Reform
Local school officials, not Washington bureaucrats, should make decisions regarding the particular educational needs of the community. I have supported the reforms enacted by Congress which provide states and local school districts with flexibility in the use of funding under federal education grant programs. As such, school districts may use these funds to improve school safety, increase literacy, serve students with special needs, reduce class size, hire more teachers, address school construction needs, and develop innovative approaches to education.
We need to continue to improve public education by providing states and local school districts with the tools they need to enhance the educational achievements of our children. That is why I have consistently supported legislation to increase federal funding for education. In fact, since coming to Congress in 1995, I have worked with my colleagues to increase funding for education by nearly 150 percent from $23 billion in 1996 to $57 billion in 2005.
Every child should be given the opportunity to attend school, regardless of income, which is why I support the Head Start Program. As its name implies, this program gives children the head start they need to succeed in a classroom. We must also provide the tools necessary for students to continue their education. That is why I support funding for TRIO programs. The skills acquired through TRIO courses and the exposure to opportunities in higher education are instrumental in preparing students for life beyond high school. These important programs open the door of economic opportunity to First District residents looking to attend post-secondary education institutions and expand their employment potential.
Difficult circumstances should not prevent talented students from having the opportunity to advance in their studies. Therefore, I have supported several initiatives to reduce the interest rates on college loans and ensure that the educational programs important to the Commonwealth are structured to fit Kentuckians’ needs. In addition, I am looking forward to reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), in a way that will make some common sense changes to strengthen NCLB and increase flexibility for schools and teachers.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass meaningful legislation that will not only improve our nation's school systems, but will also open the doors of education to all Americans.
Related Links:
US Department of Education
Kentucky Department of Education
Related Press Releases:
