DeLauro, Superintendents Discuss

Press Release

DeLauro, Superintendents Discuss

Renewal of No Child Left Behind Act

Woodbridge , C.T. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) joined with local superintendents to discuss renewal of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is set to expire this year. Some of DeLauro's proposals are being considered as part of the larger NCLB reauthorization process, as well as reforms to improve test quality and make sure the law works better for English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Click here for more information on legislation DeLauro introduced with Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), to increase the law's flexibility.

"We must do what is necessary to make sure every child can reach his or her highest potential and have a shot at the American dream. I know they are doing the best they can to educate Connecticut 's children, which is why we need to give educators the resources and the flexibility to succeed," said DeLauro.

"When Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act we had high hopes that it would raise school standards and ensure student achievement. Unfortunately, the reality of the legislation is another matter - its one size fits all approach and emphasis on standardized testing has not served our students well. Democrats in Congress have been working toward No Child Left Behind reauthorization that will help realize opportunities the law first promised five years ago."

During the meeting, DeLauro and the superintendents discussed a wide range of issues affecting the educational system, including the areas to improve NCLB to ensure that it begins to address the root of the achievement gap; the need for increased focus on early learning (zero to five) so that children are prepared to enter school; as well as problems with testing that sets up special education children and English Language Learning students to fail.

"At a time when the nation's schools face the ‘perfect storm' of record student enrollments, greater accountability for student academic achievement under No Child Left Behind, and continuing fiscal pressures, the President has proposed cuts in funding for educational programs and for special education.

"I was pleased that Democrats in Congress rejected these funding cuts and instead made critical investments to close the NCLB funding gap created by five years of neglect. We provide an increase of $2 billion or 8.6 percent over last year - to give an additional 161,000 low-income children help with reading and math. And we increase funding for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to halt a two year decline in the federal contribution for special education."

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