NABSE's Legislative Agenda for the 111th Congress
As the country ushers in the 111th Congress and a new Democratic Congressional majority, it is time to report on the work of the 110th Congress within the construct of education.
Reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1964
(Known as NCLB Public Law 107-110)
The Democratic controlled Education Committee in the House, chaired by George Miller (D - California) and the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Ted Kennedy (D - Massachusetts) were unable to blaze a path for the reauthorization of the bill. Despite the good intentions and hard work of the staffs of both committees, there was an inability to forge bipartisan agreement. The best estimate for reauthorization is FY 2010. Various reports suggest that the law has been cumulatively under funded by $85.6 billion since it was enacted.
President Elect Obama's education team will undoubtedly put a stamp on the role of the NCLB. However, it is the opinion of your government's liaison that the old adage: "The President proposes and Congress disposes," will probably be in play during the deliberation of ESEA in the 111th Congress. During the campaign, President Elect Obama's education advisors put forth the following ideas:
- Performance pay initiative offering federal financing to districts that negotiate performance pay programs with teacher unions.
- Bonuses for veteran teachers who help new colleagues.
- $18 billion in new funds on early childhood teacher recruitment.
- Continued emphasis on the high standards and accountability.
- Double federal spending on public charter schools.
It is interesting to note that according to Peter C. Groff, a Democratic President of the Colorado Senate, a new cadre of African American politicians under the age of 50 is challenging the Democratic Party to do more to offer greater choice of options among public schools. [Read More]
