WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Talladega County principals and teachers attended a roundtable discussion of Federal education policy this week with Congressman Mike Rogers, who said he invited local educators to discuss their concerns with him regarding the upcoming debate on Federal education policy.

Rogers said the discussion centered on legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act, which sets broad national guidelines for testing, achievement, and teaching standards.

“Alabama’s children and families deserve the best possible schools,” Rogers said. “This discussion helped highlight important changes that could help further strengthen our schools, and I deeply appreciate the educators who attended to help make this frank and open discussion possible.”

Rogers said local educators mentioned a number of issues, including measuring success through modeling not just graduation rates, special education and dropout considerations, and teacher reciprocity for highly qualified teachers.

“I would also like to thank Superintendent Cindy Ellsberry for helping facilitate this important discussion.” Rogers added.

Rogers said he hoped to hold other similar education forums across the Third District in the near future. In Congress, Rogers serves on the Homeland Security Committee, Armed Services Committee and Agriculture Committee.

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