Evan Bayh regarding reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

[and-justice-for-all]

Thank you for contacting me regarding reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. I appreciate your thoughts and understand your concerns.

Education was a top priority of mine as Governor and it remains one of my highest priorities as your Senator. This is demonstrated by my consistent support for adequate funding and accountability for programs that increase educational outcomes for all of our students. We need to prepare our students for the challenges facing our nation as we compete in the global economy. Our future depends on the investments we make in our children today.

On Saturday March 13, 2010, President Obama released a blueprint for reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. His proposal would call on states to adopt college and career ready standards and ensure that schools that are performing at the highest levels are rewarded while schools that need drastic improvement are held accountable. The blueprint stresses accountability standards that measure student growth based on improved assessments that do not simply "teach to the test" but prepare students to graduate high school and go on to successful college careers.

This legislation will first be considered by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, who have already begun conducting hearings on this issue. While I am not a member of this committee, I will continue to closely monitor the issue. Please know that should this bill come before the Senate for consideration during the remainder of 111th Congress, I will keep your views in mind.

Guaranteeing a strong education for the children of middle-class Indiana families is critical to ensuring young Hoosiers have the skills to fill the jobs of tomorrow. I will keep your views regarding funding for education in mind as Congress debates these important issues.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. You can also sign up for occasional email updates. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
[phone]
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510

[LiberalFighter]

1. Bayh is clueless when it comes to education.