Education Decisions Belong With Iowa's Parents And Educators

Press Release

We pride ourselves in Iowa on being at the forefront of education and student achievement. And we know the one size fits all federal system has been stifling our students, parents and teachers. From Farragut in Fremont County to my hometown of Van Meter in Dallas County, we understand local control of education empowers our parents and educators -- while reducing the grip of the federal bureaucracy on our classrooms.

Bottom line, the people of Iowa are best equipped to determine what happens in Iowa. I firmly believe this is the best approach for our kids. They are the future and our country depends on their success.

This week, I voted for the Every Student Succeeds Act because it is a step in the right direction. It passed with an overwhelming majority and broad bipartisan support, 359-64. The House and Senate worked together to put a bill on President Obama's desk rolling back federal control of our education system.

The criticism launched at the Every Student Succeeds Act cannot take away from what it actually does. The Wall Street Journal said this legislation is, "The largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century." The bill repeals the web of federal testing mandates created by No Child Left Behind and 49 other ineffective programs. Two big reforms for parents: it prevents the federal government from forcing states to adopt Common Core and it dramatically reduces the control of Washington bureaucrats -- namely the Secretary of Education -- in the classrooms of Iowa's children.

Restoring local control to education is common sense. States can now choose to opt out of federal educations programs that don't work for their students. Moreover, states and local leaders once again have the responsibility to lead on school improvement and accountability measures. Equally as important, school districts are granted more funding flexibility to tailor specific plans for their students' needs. And it protects the rights of states to determine what standards, assessments, and curriculum are best for their students.

Likewise, parents must be in charge of their own kids' education plan, not some Washington bureaucrat. The flexibility to homeschool their kids or send their kids to different public schools, regardless of their zip code or school district, is crucial. They should also have the right to choose between private schools, charter schools, or magnet schools. The federal government does not have a right to get between a parent and what classroom works best for their child. School choice drives a culture of excellence in education and the Every Student Succeeds Act makes this possible.

I was also happy the TALENT Act, bipartisan legislation of which I am one of the two lead sponsors, was included in the Every Student Succeeds Act. In Iowa and across the country we have exceptionally gifted students who are not reaching their full potential. The legislation I worked on changes that, giving local school districts tools that will help us fully embrace the abilities of the younger generation.

There is no doubt the future of this country depends on our students -- the next generation of leaders. As I visit each county each month, in the 3rd Congressional District, I often visit schools and am encouraged by what I see and hear. These school visits and community meetings with administrators, teachers, parents and our exceptional students reinforce what I already believe -- education is best suited at the local level. One teacher said it best about the current climate of education, "I do not feel like a teacher anymore; I am a tester." That is unacceptable. As this bill moves toward becoming law, and even after, I will continue to seek ways to improve the education of our children and empower parents and local educators -- I will always be a tireless advocate for Iowans being in control of what happens in Iowa classrooms.

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