Conference Report on S. 1177, Student Success Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, the students, educators, parents, and school board members I have spoken with over the years have been waiting for this day, and I am glad we are finally reaching agreement on a new education law, and we are going to leave behind No Child Left Behind.

It was a well-intentioned law. Its goal was to create more equitable education for children across the country, but it resulted in too much emphasis on one-size-fits-all mandates and interventions, and the adequate yearly progress requirements caused too much focus on high-stakes testing. Change is long overdue.

The Every Student Succeeds Act returns flexibility to States and school districts to design interventions that address the specific needs of their schools. Importantly, it has States use multiple measures of academic progress in their accountability systems so no schools will be punished for the performance of students on a single exam. They can focus on addressing resource inequalities and improving school climate and delivering access to advanced coursework and rich curricula.

After hearing frequent concerns from students and teachers about the need for fewer, better assessments, I am pleased that the Every Student Succeeds Act includes a bipartisan provision I authored with Congressman Ryan Costello to help school districts eliminate unnecessary testing.

The bill also improves STEM learning by encouraging the incorporation of art, music, and design. A well-rounded education that teaches our students to think creatively is good for their futures and good for the innovation economy.

The Every Student Succeeds Act has States set high standards for students. It requires States and school districts to intervene in schools where students have poor academic outcomes and where subgroups of students, such as English learners, low-income students, or students of color, lag behind their peers.

The law we are voting on today is true to the legacy of the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act and its goal of closing achievement gaps and promoting equitable opportunities and outcomes for students.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Chairman Kline and Chairman Alexander and Ranking Members Scott and Murray and their very hardworking staffs for their commitment to this bipartisan accomplishment.

I support the Every Student Succeeds Act and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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