Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives voted on the Republican version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, formerly known as No Child Left Behind. Congressman Loebsack serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and has fought to improve the legislation throughout the committee process.
"We can all agree that No Child Left Behind has left a lot to be desired. It's disappointing that Republicans did not take this opportunity to enact the meaningful reform that Iowa's students and teachers have long needed. In order to move our state and nation forward, we must ensure all students graduate from high school with college and career-ready skills. We need to invest in our children's education and our country's future economic growth, not shortchange them as this legislation does.
"As work continues we must provide increased flexibility to states and districts that is balanced with accountability to children and their families. As a former educator, I understand the importance of supporting quality teacher and school leader evaluations and targeted professional development as well as improving supports and working conditions for educators. Unfortunately, today's legislation is a step in the wrong direction, and was simply a vote to let our nation's students down."
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