ESEA Update


7/1/09 NEA/RA ESEA Advisory Committee Update

   Our clear message to Congress last year was we would not settle anymore.  We all know the road to the American Dream runs through our public schools.  Therefore, our state and local affiliates, members and staff have worked the last two years to ensure we delivered the message from the ground up that getting the ESEA  reauthorization right was a high priority for educators.  The result of that collective and sustained voice was Congressional leaders were unable to move forward with an unacceptable reauthorization package.
   The bulk of the work still needs to happen back home.  Your members of Congress need to hear from you.  We must take advantage of the incredible opportunity we have to ensure every available resource is used to build the bridges necessary to make the fundamental changes in law and regulation our students and families need.  We recommend and continue to recommend the federal government support public schools in the following seven key ways:

  • The federal government should serve as a partner to support state efforts to transform public schools.
  • A reauthorized ESEA must ensure that all children, especially the disadvantaged, have access to an education that will prepare them to succeed in the 21st Century.
  • A revamped accountability system must correctly identify schools in need of assistance and provide a system of effective interventions to help them succeed.
  • Teachers and other staff must be provided supports and resources to help students succeed.
  • The federal govenment should be require states to detail how they will remedy inequities in educational tools, opportunities and resources.
  • Targeted programs that support special needs students and schools should be maintained and expanded.
  • The federal government should serve as a clearinghouse, making available to educators a wealth of knowledge about how best to teach students and help schools improve practices.

Additional Resources and Links:

  • Achieve.org
    Achieve, Inc., is an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit organization that helps states raise academic standards, measure performance against those standards, establish clear accountability for results and strengthen public confidence in our education system.
  • NEA
    This site contains a plethora of information on ESEA. It includes activities in which you can participate to influence Congress to legislate changes in the current law.
  • WV Office of Assessments and Accountability
    This West Virginia Department of Education Website contains WESTEST information, testing calendar and assessment results.
  • No Child Left Behind
    This is the official U.S. Department of Education site created expressly for No Child Left Behind. This site has the federal government slant on legislation. It is specifically aimed at parents.