Cornyn Calls For Public Education Reform To Return Decision-Making, Flexibility To Local Level

Press Release

Cornyn Calls For Public Education Reform To Return Decision-Making, Flexibility To Local Level

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today called for public education reform that will return more decision-making and flexibility to the local level with parents, teachers and schools. In remarks to the Texas Public Education Reform Foundation's 2008 Statewide Education Summit in Austin, Sen. Cornyn also highlighted the need to ensure that young people are well-prepared with the education and skills necessary for successful careers in an increasingly innovative, high-tech economy. The event drew hundreds of teachers, administrators, and members of the Texas academic community.

"I was honored to address hundreds of men and women who are responsible for helping our young people learn, develop and succeed. Teachers and education professionals deserve our gratitude and support.

"I'm committed to enacting reforms in Congress that give more freedom, flexibility, and decision-making to teachers, administrators, and parents on the local level—and ensuring more accountability. In recent years, the federal government's role in public education has grown too large, and its mandates and regulations too burdensome and rigid. A one-sized-fits-all program mandated from Washington is an unrealistic and ineffective approach.

"I'll continue to work in the Senate to limit the federal government's role in education and empower local schools and teachers with the flexibility and tools they need to develop tomorrow's leaders."

Background on Sen. Cornyn's efforts to boost access to quality education and empower teachers and administrators on the local level:
Introduced the Academic Partnership Lead us to Success (A-PLUS) Act of 2007:

* Gives states maximum freedom to implement initiatives that work in their individual state.
* Reduces regulatory burdens associated with federal education programs so educators can focus on teaching rather than filling out paperwork.
* Ensures that states are accountable to schools, parents and the general public for advancing the academic achievement of all students, especially disadvantaged children.

Cosponsored the America COMPETES Act, which was signed into law on August 9, 2007:

* Authorizes over $30 billion to invest in science, technology, engineering and math research and education programs.
* Focuses on three primary areas of importance to maintaining and improving our nation's innovation in the 21st Century: increasing research investment; strengthening educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school; and developing an innovation infrastructure.

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