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Guest Commentary: April 24, 2001
Education Plan Leaves No Child Behind
The Honorable Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
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A quality education is the foundation on which every child's future is based. President George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind" education proposal will provide an increased investment of resources to our nation’s schools so we make sure that every child receives the education that he or she deserves.
Members of Congress are currently working on this proposal with the President, and we recently introduced the education reform package H.R. 1 in the United States House of Representatives. The legislation received the first bill number of this Congress to symbolize that education is the top priority of our President and our Congress. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this important bill.
Literacy, flexibility and accountability are the guiding forces behind this education reform. In the past, the solution to America’s education problem has been to simply throw money at it. While the federal government has spent more than $125 billion over the past 25 years, there are still children trapped in failing school systems. The current education proposal is based on the premise that money alone does not provide for a quality education. We must also strengthen the framework of America's schools.
We must work to close the achievement gap and provide disadvantaged students with the same opportunities as other children. In recent years, society has increasingly forgotten those children who have been denied the basic education foundation required to achieve their dreams. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century nearly 70 percent of inner city and rural fourth-graders cannot read at a basic level. Illiteracy has far-reaching consequences that affect social development and opportunities for successful employment. One of the main goals of our education plan is that each American child is able to read by the third grade.
We have high expectations for our children and we should also have high expectations for our schools. That is why accountability is a key component of the bill. It institutes a system that includes statewide testing in order to make annual assessments. Establishing a system of rewards and sanctions will provide incentive for states to consistently improve school and student achievement. Flexibility is also an essential part of the plan that allows states and local school districts to determine where federal funds will be most effective. By directly targeting funds to needy schools and districts rather than to government bureaucracy, our legislation offers greater opportunity for innovation and less red tape.
Both Republicans and Democrats agree that we have an obligation that our children receive the highest quality education possible. Parents as well as CEO's know that improving education is the best hope for our future and for keeping our work force well educated and prepared to meet the challenges of the new century. By supporting accountability, quality teachers, effective programs, and more parental involvement, we will deliver on the promise that no child is left behind.
 How to contact Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio)
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