Education
Rep. Chu speaking to children in a classroom.
Education is a proven pathway for success. As a former educator and school board member in our community, I understand the needs our schools face. We need to fully fund education programs, give our students the resources they need and ensure our schools are environments for learning. That’s why my bills provide adaptable solutions to the unique problems individual school districts face.
In tough economic times, we need to look at investing in education to keep our country globally competitive. But the No Child Left Behind law left our schools in a poor state, with teachers “teaching to the test” and leaving subjects like science and history on the chopping block. That is why I am pushing to change our education system.
We must ensure equal opportunity for all children. Our students need research-driven innovation in our schools to increase academic achievement and turn our students into critical thinkers, not test-takers.
My Education priorities include:
Supporting Global Languages Early Education (GLEE)
Making College Affordable
Providing Equal Access to Education
Supporting Global Languages Early Education (GLEE)
In many countries students must learn at least two languages, aside from their home language, and must learn a foreign language during primary school. Meanwhile, only 15 percent of elementary students in the U.S. were enrolled in foreign language courses in 2008. And 2005 national testing showed that almost half of English Language Learner students scored "below basic" in mathematics and 3 out of 4 scored below basic in reading. To remain competitive in the global economy, the U.S. must support bilingualism and close the achievement gaps for English Language Learners.
That’s why I introduced the Global Languages Early Education (GLEE) bill. GLEE establishes an early education grant program to start foreign language in preschool through the eighth grade. Starting young is shown to have the best success at creating bilingual students and increasing academic achievement amongst English Language Learners.
GLEE would prioritize schools serving low-income students and would help develop public-private partnerships to promote bilingual education. GLEE would encourage schools to offer a diverse set of languages for students to learn.
Pell Grants
Pell Grants make college possible for over nine million Americans and nearly seventy percent of University of California students here in the 32nd District. Financial aid helps American students achieve economic mobility and opportunity in this country. That’s why I have led the charge against cuts to Pell Grants so that every student, regardless of background, can afford a degree and keep America competitive in the global economy.
I was proud to vote in favor of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act to raise the maximum Pell Grant by almost $500 up to $5,975. This was the highest Pell Grant increase in history. This will help millions of American students better afford college and build a better economic future.
Keeping Interest Rates on Student Loans Low
This July, interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford student loans were set to double – leaving the average student to pay an extra 1,000 dollars. That’s just not right, especially in this recession when so many students and their families are struggling to pay their tuition and create opportunity for their futures.
That’s why I was proud to support legislation to extend lower student loan interest rates for an additional year. This will ensure college and student loans remain affordable for American students – one of the best investments our nation can make in America’s economic future.
Providing Equal Access to Education
Many of our minority students attend schools that lack the resources and staff to provide them with equal educational opportunities. California schools with the highest enrollment of minority students and the lowest academic achievement scores have teachers with the least experience. It is unconscionable for Congress to continue to let these inequities exist when one of the most influential factors on student achievement is having a great teacher.
That is why I introduced the Equal Access to Education Act. This bill helps high-need schools to recruit, induct and retain the best teachers by:
• Increasing the number of teachers from minority communities who have the training, mentorship and resources to succeed;
• Decreasing the high-turnover rates for educators in high-need schools;
• Creating residency programs that induct teachers into the first years of teaching;
• Providing educators with the skills to meet the needs of diverse learners including English language learners and students with disabilities; and
• Ensuring that students of all races and income levels get access to teachers who are fully prepared to meet their needs.
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