Naperville, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today hosted a roundtable for education leaders from across the region to discuss the President’s signature education initiative, Race to the Top, and the future impact of federal education policies on area schools.  Funding for Race to the Top was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act “stimulus” passed early in 2009.  Biggert was joined by Michelle Ishmael from the Illinois Education Association (IEA), DuPage Superintendent of Schools Darlene Ruscitti, as well as state representatives, superintendents, principals and teachers from the 13th Congressional District.
 
           “This is an important group.  These are the classroom leaders who will be first to see the successes or recognize the shortcomings of the Race to the Top program.  With the January 19th deadline for filing grant applications quickly approaching, it’s critical that our local educators understand exactly how this program works and that our students are in a position to benefit from any new opportunities,” said Biggert, a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee.  “Today’s roundtable is also an opportunity to bring the on-the-ground perspective of local educators back with me to Washington.” 
 
           A former PTA and School Board President, Biggert has long advocated the benefits of local control in setting education policy.  During the meeting, she heard area educators’ recommendations on a broad range of issues, including school accountability, student testing, charter schools, state standards, aid for underperforming schools, and the use of new data and technology in education.
 
           “I want to thank Representative Biggert for bringing educational leaders from across the region together to weigh in on the President’s Race to the Top initiative,” said Darlene Ruscitti, DuPage Superintendent of Schools.  “This is an important opportunity to discuss how federal programs may impact our schools, and to share our ideas with legislators for a strong national education agenda that will best serve the needs of students here in Illinois.  With support from Rep. Biggert and other leaders, schools in our community will not only be in a better position to take advantage of federal opportunities, they will remain a model for the nation.”
 
           “The President has indicated that he will use Race to the Top as a blueprint for the next reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA),” said Biggert.  “Today, we are focusing on how that agenda can be improved to better prepare our kids to compete in the 21st Century economy.  I’m particularly encouraged by the program’s increased focus on scientifically-rigorous data systems that better identify where a student needs the most help.  I also strongly believe we must be cautious not to over-emphasize ‘teaching-to-the-test’, which can be detrimental to the well-rounded learning experience that allows students to reach their full potential.”
 
           During the coming year, the House and Senate education committees are expected to begin consideration of the Administration’s proposals for the nation’s educational programs under ESEA, which were last reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.  Following the meeting, Biggert joined education experts in committing to keeping the dialogue open throughout the process. 
 
           IEA President Ken Swanson said, “It is crucial that all stakeholders with an interest in Race to the Top are able to come together to discuss the potential impact of this groundbreaking financial program.  We’re thankful that U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert understands how important Race to the Top is to our members and that she has agreed to co-host this forum with us.”

###