Congresswoman Adams Statement On House Passage Of Critical Education Bill To Replace No Child Left Behind Act
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Adams Spoke On the House Floor in Support of the Bill
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee today released the following statement after the Every Student Succeeds Act – legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replace the No Child Left Behind Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 359 to 64:
"Every child deserves access to a quality education. I'm proud that we were finally able to pass a bipartisan education bill that strengthens and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and addresses the challenges of No Child Left Behind. Although not completely perfect, the Every Student Succeeds Act works to close achievement gaps faced by many students across America. It supports our schools and our teachers and protects the civil rights foundations set with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision."
The Every Student Succeeds Act is a bipartisan bill that addresses challenges resulting from No Child Left Behind. More information on the Every Student Succeeds Act can be found here: https://democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/everystudentsucceeds.
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Adams spoke on the House floor in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
"The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 played a major role in ensuring ALL students have access to a quality education. Because of this legislation, over the last 50 years we've made remarkable progress in closing the achievement gap that plagues many low-income students.
"However, we still have a lot of work to do. The last reauthorization, No Child Left Behind, was signed into law in 2002 and hasn't been updated since. In that time, we've seen many changes in our education system and the needs of our students and educators, in addition to the unintended consequences of No Child Left Behind. So, I'm proud that today we are finally moving forward with a bipartisan bill that keeps the best interests of American students and educators in mind.
"The Every Student Succeeds Act is a true embodiment of what a stronger – reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act should look like. This legislation upholds the key principles of equal access to education for all - rich or poor and upholds accountability systems that ensure success.
"From promoting access to early education, to supporting our neediest students and our teachers and investing in STEM education - this legislation puts our students first and helps to close achievement gaps.
"Thank you to Ranking Member Bobby Scott for your leadership in making this legislation possible.
"Our children are our future. Educating them shouldn't be a Democrat or Republican issue. I urge all of my colleagues to support our students – by supporting this critical bipartisan legislation."