Late last week the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved legislation which aims to overhaul the national educational plan, “No Child Left Behind.” According to the bill’s authors, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2011 would revamp the U.S. educational system by putting a greater emphasis on state and local leadership and moving away from a strict national model.
A coalition of civil rights groups, business groups, state education officials, and other education advocates recently withdrew its support for the bill due to concerns that the measure would narrow the achievement gaps for English language learners, amongst other student groups. In a statement, the coalition declared:
As representatives of the millions of students with disabilities, low-income students, students of color, English language learners and migrant students who are studying in our nation’s schools, both boys and girls, we cannot support the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act of 2011 at this time. The bill’s weak accountability system excludes the vast majority of children we represent, and is a major barrier to our organizations’ support.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2011 and how the bill addresses the needs of English language learners.
In the meantime, visit the LIRS Action Center to urge Congress and the Administration to support the integration of refugees and migrants in the United States.