Bachmann Testifies On Disadvantaged Youth
Calls for greater educational opportunities for foster children
Washington,
Jun 19, 2007 -
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Michele Bachmann testified before the House Ways and Means Committee today in a hearing on disconnected and disadvantaged youth. Bachmann spoke of her family’s personal experience of sharing their home with 23 foster children and the challenges they faced in finding a stable educational system in which the children could thrive.
"We quickly learned that the educational needs of our foster children were different from most other students," said Bachmann. "Many of them had switched schools at least once, and as a result of their tumultuous home lives, their educational backgrounds were not always consistent."
Bachmann explained that foster children are often seen as if they will only be present in a classroom for a short time. "In our experience, students and teachers were always welcoming, but it can be difficult to provide the special attention and resources needed to ensure that foster children catch up to their classmates," she noted.
"I’ve seen first-hand the challenges foster children face in regularly changing homes and school environments," said Bachmann. "I believe it’s critical for Congress to create a federal school choice program for foster children, providing an option to stay in the same, stable school environment, regardless of where they are placed. In Congress, I will continue working to ensure that these children have stable learning environments where they feel accepted and can fully realize their potential."
Bachmann testified alongside singer and songwriter Jewel, who was homeless as a teenager and discussed the challenges facing detached youth.
