Ayotte Backs Bipartisan Education Reform Bill

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced she is backing the bipartisan education reform bill - the Every Child Achieves Act (S. 1117) - that the Senate is currently debating. Ayotte worked to include several amendments in the bill - including measures to strengthen early childhood education and to better assist students dealing with substance abuse issues at home. In addition, the Senate last week approved a bipartisan amendment she cosponsored with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) that is aimed at increasing participation in STEM programs by girls and underrepresented groups.

"New Hampshire parents, teachers, and school leaders have shared with me numerous concerns about our education system, and it's past time to update and improve No Child Left Behind. This bipartisan bill will return accountability and responsibility for education decisions back to where it belongs - in states, local school districts, and classrooms," Ayotte said. "I'm pleased that the bill includes additional reforms I worked on that reflect New Hampshire priorities - including encouraging greater student participation in STEM and bolstering support for students dealing with substance abuse issues in the home. These common sense measures will further enhance and improve our education system, and help prepare students in New Hampshire and across our nation for good careers and future success."

The Every Child Achieves Act includes provisions that will give states the flexibility to develop their own ways to measure student achievement, school success, and accountability. It also prohibits the federal government from mandating or incentivizing states to adopt particular curriculum or standards, like Common Core. Ayotte is also working across the aisle to push for additional amendments encouraging states to support education plans that reflect workforce needs and better assist school leaders.

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