Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Reauthorization of ESEA "can't wait," Secretary Arne Duncan said on September 24 in his first speech devoted to the topic. He has traveled to more than 30 states on a "Listening and Learning Tour" to hear views of educators and citizens on this topic and the federal role in education. ED is also holding public meetings on ESESA issues.

Learn more — read below.

Duncan: New Investment Will Fuel Reform and Boost Economy

January 28, 2010 – 6:10 pm

Secretary Duncan was among the Cabinet members in the audience Wednesday night for President Obama’s State of the Union address, and he sent the following message Thursday to the education community.

Dear Education Stakeholders:

By now, I expect you’ve heard the good news. In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – “when” we reauthorize, not “if,” he emphasized – and, at a time when most government spending is frozen, the President proposed a significant increase in discretionary spending for education in his fiscal year 2011 budget.

The President’s budget continues and expands his commitment to provide a cradle-to-career education for all of America’s children. It provides a massive increase in student aid – $156 billion in fiscal year 2011, up from $98 billion in 2008. That’s enough to provide federal assistance to nearly 15 million students, or 3 out of 5 students currently enrolled in higher education. The budget also will make it easier for borrowers to repay their loans, lowering income-based repayments and cutting the length of their repayments.

In K-12 education, the President will propose a $4 billion increase, including the previously announced $1.35 billion request to make Race to the Top a permanent program. Of that increase, $1 billion would be made available through a budget amendment when Congress completes an ESEA reauthorization consistent with the President’s plan.

The budget also supports enactment of pending legislation that would provide $9.3 billion over 10 years for the Early Learning Challenge Fund, providing competitive grants to states that expand quality early learning experiences from birth through kindergarten entry.

Along with the increases, the budget will require us to work smarter and more efficiently. We expect to save billions by switching from the Federal Family Education Loan program to the Direct Loan program. In K-12 education, we will provide states and districts more flexibility by consolidating 38 programs into 11, and we will cut six programs that are ineffective or duplicative.

The budget will set the stage for ESEA reauthorization but there is still much more work ahead. With a bipartisan group of members of Congress, our goal is to develop an accountability system built on greater transparency, incentives and rewards, and a focus on turning around persistently underperforming schools.

We can’t wait to make these reforms. Right now, 25 percent of our students fail to graduate high school, and as many as 60 percent of college freshmen need remedial education. Millions of jobs are unfilled for lack of qualified applicants. The President and I know that we need to educate our way to a better economy. I am honored to be working with you to make it happen.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

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Education Community, Bipartisan Congress Tell President: We Can Work Together

January 28, 2010 – 2:30 pm

The education community’s ears perked up Wednesday night when President Obama turned in his State of the Union address to the topic of investing in America’s schools. What follows here—from education advocates, membership groups and members of Congress from both parties—is a cross-section of bipartisan support for the education agenda of President Obama and Arne Duncan:

“By linking education to the economy, President Obama made clear that diplomas mean dollars.”
—Bob Wise, President of the nonpartisan Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia

“All Americans agree that a young person needs a world-class education to compete in the global economy… The President and I agree on expanding the number of high-quality charter schools, and rewarding teachers for excellent performance. More school choices for parents and students mean more accountability and greater achievement.”
—Governor Bob McDonnell (R-Va.), in the Republican response to the State of the Union

“In these tough times, we appreciate that President Obama is trying to shield children from budget cuts that affect their schools. He understands that kids don’t get a second chance to receive a good education and that our country’s future depends on the quality of education we provide for our children… We will work with the White House and Congress to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. After eight years of No Child Left Behind, it’s time to pass a new law that will give every child access to the high-quality public education needed to succeed in college, work and life.”
—Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers

“I am especially pleased that President Obama called on Congress to rewrite our nation’s federal education laws. The key to getting this done will be bipartisanship. I plan to begin working on this immediately with this administration, Congressman Kline, our colleagues on the House Education and Labor Committee and all parties that have ideas about how to improve our schools.”
—Congressman George Miller (D-Calif.), Chairman of the House Committee on Education & Labor

“There is no doubt we need to reform our federal education laws, and Republicans are anxious to enact policies that empower parents, teachers, and communities to provide a quality education for all our nation’s students.”
—Congressman John Kline (Minn.), Senior Republican Member of the House Committee on Education & Labor

“If there’s a major piece of legislation that has a chance to be bipartisan, this is it.”
—Congressman Mike Castle (Del.), Ranking Republican Member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education

“The President made it very clear [Wednesday night] that he refuses to sacrifice the education opportunities available to Americans as a way of digging out of our economic crisis. A country that makes education a priority is a country bound for economic success. We applaud the President’s promise to improve our schools by investing in what works. NEA members have worked years under the flawed No Child Left Behind law, so we are anxious to work with the administration to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in a way that celebrates successful students, educators, and schools.”
—Dennis Van Roekel, National Education Association

“Now more than ever, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (the law currently known as No Child Left Behind) must be rewritten to reflect its original purpose: success for all children, especially disadvantaged children.”
—American Association of School Administrators

“I also applaud the president’s investment in education. I am particularly pleased with the increased funding for K-12 education and look forward to working with the president to help educators improve our public schools.”
—Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

“I was extremely pleased to hear the President address something very dear to me: education. I serve on the Education and Labor Committee, and I agree with the President that we need to get to work on reauthorizing the nation’s elementary and secondary education laws. I especially appreciate his focus on raising standards, inspiring excellence in math and science, and turning around underperforming schools.”
—Congresswoman Judy Biggert (-Ill.)

“The Learning First Alliance strongly supports the reauthorization of ESEA in the current legislative session… We believe the stakes for our nation’s children—particularly low-income students and students of color, who have been ill served—are far too high for us to delay this important work.”
—Learning First Alliance, a partnership of 17 leading education associations

“Unfettered by inside-the-beltway partisan politics, President Obama indisputably has affected more change in the nation’s education policies in his first year in office than any President in modern history.”
—Democrats for Education Reform

“We applaud President Obama’s determination to support expansion of educational opportunity at a time of serious economic challenges, and endorse his position that a well educated nation is the key to economic success.”
—National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

“I share the President’s commitment to strengthening education though additional investment and reforms. Preparing our future generations for well-paying careers is critical to our nation’s security and our economic health.”
—Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.)

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President Calls for Greater Investment in Education

January 28, 2010 – 1:00 pm

If you tuned in to Wednesday night’s State of the Union address, then you heard President Obama devote a portion of his remarks to education—and the link between an educated nation and a strong economy. “We need to invest in the skills and education of our people,” the President said to applause from Congress. And to do that, the President said, we need to update our education system by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly known as “No Child Left Behind”).

Here’s more of what the President said Wednesday night about the imperative to challenge the status quo, reshape and innovate to effectively deliver education in the 21st century—from cradle to college to career.

“Now, this year, we’ve broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. And the idea here is simple:  Instead of rewarding failure, we only reward success. Instead of funding the status quo, we only invest in reform — reform that raises student achievement; inspires students to excel in math and science; and turns around failing schools that steal the future of too many young Americans, from rural communities to the inner city. In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education. (Applause.)  And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.

When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all 50 states. Still, in this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job. That’s why I urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges, which are a career pathway to the children of so many working families. (Applause.)

To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. (Applause.)  Instead, let’s take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants. (Applause.)  And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years – and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college. (Applause.)

And by the way, it’s time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs – (applause) – because they, too, have a responsibility to help solve this problem.”

Secretary Duncan joined other Cabinet members in the House chamber to hear the President’s remarks and had this reaction afterward, “The President said ‘when’ we reauthorize not ‘if.’ He clearly wants to moves forward on reauthorization and that’s what we’re doing. At a time when most government spending is frozen, he proposed a $3 billion increase in education with an extra $1 billion when we reauthorize. So we are focused on fixing No Child Left Behind and building on the success of Race to the Top to promote competition, flexibility, incentives, rewards and a sharp focus on achievement gaps. Our kids can’t wait.”

ED Staff

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Secretary Duncan Calls on State Legislators to Help Lead School Reforms

December 23, 2009 – 10:09 am

Secretary Arne Duncan spoke at the fall forum of the National Conference of State Legislatures earlier this month.  He urged state legislators to help lead the school reform movement and identify state laws that are impeding reforms.

Specifically, he called on legislators to rewrite state laws to:

  • Ensure that students—especially disadvantaged students—are taught by an effective teacher and that all policies related to the teaching profession promote effective teaching;
  • Offer high-quality alternative certification routes to becoming teachers for military veterans and career changers;
  • Give districts the ability increase learning time by extending the school day or school year; and
  • Expand the number of charter schools and to increase accountability so bad charter schools are shut down.

Duncan praised state legislatures for leadership on several fronts the past few decades. In the 1980s, statehouses were in the forefront of the movement to set academic standards. Today, Louisiana is leading efforts to measure the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs by tracking the graduates’ success in improving student achievement.  Florida, Texas and Colorado are preparing to follow suit.

See the full text of the Secretary’ remarks.

ED Staff

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Listening and Learning in Newport News, VA

November 25, 2009 – 3:05 pm

Last week Congressman Bobby Scott, Brigadier General Brian Layer, and Newport News Public Schools Superintendent Ashby Kilgore joined Secretary Duncan for stops at the An Achievable Dream network of schools in Newport News, Virginia.  The stops were part of the Secretary’s “Listening and Learning Tour” across America.  Since May, he has visited communities in nearly 30 states to solicit feedback around federal education policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.


Click here for an accessible version of the video.

An Achievable Dream is a unique partnership between Newport News Public Schools, the City of Newport News, and the local business community to give students who are at risk an equal chance to succeed.  Students at both the An Achievable Dream Academy and the An Achievable Dream Middle and High School campus attend school for eight hours a day and 210 days a year, compared to the six hours a day and 180 days a year in most schools.  Also, there are three mandatory 10-day intersessions where students participate in enrichment and accelerated activities, or remediation if necessary.

Character education is the foundation of An Achievable Dream and is taught every day.  Banners with motivational phrases and the well-defined rules of the school are hung throughout the school building.  Guest speakers and extracurricular activities are planned around character development themes, including close interaction with soldiers from Fort Eustis Army Base.

At An Achievable Dream Academy, Secretary Duncan and Congressman Scott greeted students and soldiers from Fort Eustis assembled in the gymnasium for a community circle.  They read to 1st graders in the Verizon Reading Room and talked with 5th graders enrolled in the school’s mandatory Speaking GREEN class.  Speaking GREEN teaches the difference between casual/slang conversation and work-place appropriate conversation.  In response to the Secretary’s question on why An Achievable Dream Academy was the right school for them, a 5th grade student offered, “I am here because I want a better future.  What I learn here will help me be successful in high school, college and in life.”

Following the stop at An Achievable Dream Academy, the Secretary and Congressman Scott convened a roundtable discussion with local business and community leaders, educators, students and parents at the An Achievable Dream Middle and High School campus.  The discussion centered around ways to improve teacher recruitment, professional preparation and induction programs; strategies to prepare students for college and the world of work; and replicating effective dropout prevention models.

Although educators and administrators testified to the quality of the State’s traditional and alternative certification programs, many detailed the difficulties in attracting and retaining talented educators.  They urged investment in “grow your own strategies” in tandem with local universities that provide high school students with exposure to the teaching profession. Participants stressed the need to “celebrate” the profession, end the “teacher bashing,” and incentivize the next generation of teachers through competitive salaries and meaningful career growth opportunities.

Community leaders talked about the importance of involving parents in schools and ensuring that “no family is left behind.”  They noted, though, that involving all parents effectively is a significant challenge.  Local business leaders urged educators to continuously court the business community due to their vested interest in America’s educational system.  As one local business leader put it, “we want to invest in what works… we have not yet begun to scratch the surface with the business community in this country.”  Superintendent Kilgore passionately talked about the need to replicate and expand models that work to close the achievement gap.  “An Achievable Dream is an incubator for us.  We take what works here to help other children across the district succeed.”

A single mother who raised five boys simply said, “An Achievable Dream was the path to get my kids to college.  This school helped me do that and I am grateful for what they have done.”

ED Staff
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Secretary Arne Duncan Visits Delaware, New Jersey

October 28, 2009 – 6:08 pm

ADDENJ 6

Yesterday Secretary Arne Duncan participated in a statewide leadership forum at the University of Delaware with Gov. Jack Markell and Delaware Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery.  He discussed the importance of improving schools and the state’s plan to turn around failing schools. See media coverage of the forum and highlights of remarks by Duncan and other speakers. Read about Delaware’s plan to provide a world-class public education to every student in the state, Vision 2015.

Later in the day, Duncan traveled to New Jersey, where he joined Gov. Jon Corzine for a tour of Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill.  They visited classes and talked with students, teachers, and administrators, including Principal Ed Canzanese, science teacher Christine Weigel, and humanities teacher Carolyn Grossi. While there, Duncan and Corzine participated in a roundtable discussion with students, parents, and teachers and congratulated the school for its Blue Ribbon Schools award.  The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

ED Staff

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Teacher Preparation: Reforming the Uncertain Profession

October 22, 2009 – 3:17 pm

In a major speech at Teachers College, Columbia University, Secretary Arne Duncan called for America’s colleges of education to dramatically change how they prepare the next generation of teachers.

“By almost any standard,” Duncan said, “many if not most of the nation’s 1,450 schools, colleges, and departments of education are doing a mediocre job of preparing teachers for the realities of the 21st century classroom. America’s university-based teacher preparation programs need revolutionary change—not evolutionary tinkering.”

See the press release and text of the speech.

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Promoting Innovation and Reinventing the Federal Role—Fourth Stakeholders Forum

October 21, 2009 – 3:19 pm

“Promoting Innovation and Reinventing the Federal Role” was the title of the October 21, 2009, public meeting on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Held at ED headquarters in Washington, D.C., the forum featured panelists Warren Simmons of The Annenberg Institute for School Reform, Stacey Childress of the Harvard Business School, and Susan Patrick of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning.

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Great Teachers and Leaders—Third Stakeholders Forum

October 13, 2009 – 3:19 pm

“Great Teachers and Leaders” was the focus of the October 13, 2009, public meeting on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. See the transcript, video, and overview slides presented at the meeting by the New Teacher Project.

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Secretary Arne Duncan Takes Listening Tour to Wyoming

September 25, 2009 – 7:34 am
Secretary Arne Duncan Takes Listening Tour to Wyoming

Secretary Arne Duncan visited Glenrock, Wyoming, to hear about education challenges facing rural communities and ideas for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in ways that address rural needs.

On September 18, Senator Mike Enzi joined Secretary Arne Duncan for a stop at Grant Elementary School in Glenrock, Wyoming, as part of his NCLB Listening and Learning Tour. The discussion—which included Glenrock area teachers, administrators, parents and students, as well as state leaders—focused on education challenges facing rural communities and ideas for how the Elementary and Secondary Education Act should address rural needs.

Teachers and administrators testified to the difficulties in attracting and retaining talented educators in rural areas and asked about ways to incent qualified teachers. They expressed concerns about the emphasis on testing and current accountability measures under NCLB, as well as the unique challenge rural communities face in complying with the highly qualified teacher (HQT) regulations. The local high school principal likened the HQT challenge to fielding a basketball team where all the pool of available players are all undersized. “You field the team that you have available in rural communities,” he said.

Read more and see photos

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