John Ensign, United States Senator, Nevada

During work on the No Child Left Behind Act, he worked to guarantee that Nevada students got their fair share of education funding from the federal government. Ensign included a provision in the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure that a fast-growing state such as Nevada would receive the education funding it deserves. Because of his amendment, the federal government is now required to update the number of students in each state annually, rather than every five to six years as had been done in the past. The passage of Senator Ensign’s amendment has meant an additional $55 million for the state of Nevada in Title I funds alone, funds which assist the most disadvantaged students.

Senator Ensign is anxious to continue the progress made by the No Child Left Behind Act. It is clear from conversations he has had with teachers, parents, students, and administrators that, while the purpose of the law is ontrack, there are some details that need to be changed to make the law more effective. He looks forward to working with Nevadans as we look forward to reauthorization of NCLB.

Learn More About No Child Left Behind:
Ten Things Parents Should Know
Myths and Facts
Title I and Disadvantaged Students 
Understanding No Child Left Behind: TEACHER HANDBOOK
Understanding No Child Left Behind: PARENT HANDBOOK 

The Higher Education Act
During his time as a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Ensign played a key role in the review of the Higher Education Act in 2005, although final legislation was not considered by the full Senate. The Senate recently reauthorized this important legislation which would increase access to institutions of higher education in August of 2008.

Although he is no longer a member of the Committee, Senator Ensign has remained particularly interested in ensuring that federal financial aid goes to those students who most need it. To that end, he worked to target new federal assistance, the Academic Competitiveness grants, to students eligible for the federal Pell grant. This new grant supplements federal Pell grants for students in college.

The Higher Education Act also contains new provisions that target financial assistance to those students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). As a former chairman of the Senate High Tech Task Force, Senator Ensign is particularly concerned about the low number of U.S. students entering these majors. He hopes that increasing the assistance provided to these students will encourage more of our best and brightest students to enter these majors. To encourage these students to enter the STEM fields, additional financial assistance is given to students in their freshman year for taking a rigorous math and science curriculum in high school. Students with declared STEM majors in their junior and senior years will be eligible for the SMART Grant. The SMART Grant will provide additional assistance on top of the student’s Pell grant.

Senator Ensign has also worked to ensure that programs targeted to first-generation college students are the most effective they can be. He has been a long-time supporter of the federal TRIO programs and worked with his colleagues to increase the accountability and effectiveness of these programs.

Head Start
The Head Start program is a comprehensive child development program for underprivileged children from birth to age five and their families. While in the program, children receive a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; and parent involvement. Senator Ensign worked on the reauthorization of this important legislation as a member of the Senate HELP Committee.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
While he was a member of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Ensign was honored to work on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly known as IDEA. This important legislation protects students with disabilities and ensures that they have access to an appropriate public education. Senator Ensign worked hard to ensure that the needs of the children, parents, teachers, and administrators in Nevada were met. It is important that the federal government fulfill its commitment to fund this important program, and Senator Ensign has repeatedly supported increased funding for IDEA.

Learn More About Education:
Special Education 101
Ensign Announces Bill To Improve Education For Students With Disabilities
Afterschool Caucus 
Resolution recognizing the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program