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Pearce Votes For Education Act

From the Office of Congressman Steve Pearce:

Today, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce voted for H.R. 5, the Student Success Act of 2013. 

“We must never stop improving the opportunities and education available to our children,” said Pearce.  “In the decade since No Child Left Behind became law, it has become clear that a one size fits all approach does not work for New Mexico or the nation. The federal government should provide state and local educators with the means and flexibility to develop education programs that best meet the needs of students.  Today’s legislation takes meaningful steps to do just that by reforming, improving, and updating the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to empower teachers and parents, instead of Washington, to make education decisions.”

The Student Success Act eliminates the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards, and instead implements state-developed plans that give each state the freedom to evaluate and improve their own schools. This legislation provides increased flexibility while still giving parents the ability to monitor schools’ performance and ensure that their children are receiving the best education possible.   

Moreover, it consolidates 70 ESEA grant programs into more efficient state and local block grants. Additionally, H.R. 5 replaces the “Highly Qualified Teacher” credential requirements with a provision that gives states and local school districts the liberty to hire teachers based on effectiveness and qualifications.  Under No Child Left Behind’s “Highly Qualified Teacher” provision, states and rural school districts were often hindered to access of qualified teachers because of these cumbersome federal provisions.  Furthermore, this legislation specifies that the Secretary of Education cannot compel states to adopt Common Core standards.

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