Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Even as the economy continues to recover, many Americans of all backgrounds are still looking for work. I strongly believe that expanding access to quality education is an essential step to improving our nation's long-term economic forecast.

PROTECTING TEACHERS AND IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY

Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis

Teachers are one of our most valuable resources and are critical to the success of future generations of Americans. It is important that our public education system continue to attract highly qualified new teachers by rewarding those teachers who have dedicated themselves to the successful preparation of their students.

During the 111th Congress, I supported the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which allocated $300 million to improve teacher quality and raise student achievement. Additionally, another $100 million was dedicated to funding competitive grants for states to address teacher shortages and for modernizing the teaching workforce. This landmark legislation also allocated $53.6 billion to State Fiscal Stabilization Funds, which enabled states to avoid teachers layoffs and provided incentive and innovation grants to competing schools.

In 2010 amidst severe economic turmoil and mounting state deficits, which threatened the jobs of thousands of teachers, I proudly supported the passage of the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act to keep teachers where they are most needed--in the classroom. As a result, an estimated 161,000 public school teaching positions were saved or created--including 3,600 in Indiana.

Tuition Increases Nationwide

EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

During this economic downturn, the ever increasing cost of tuition is putting higher education out of reach for far too many Americans. But in this increasingly competitive, global economy, access to higher education is essential in preparing those graduating from high school and older Americans, already in the workforce and looking to enhance their career skills, for the jobs of the future. Unfortunately, a growing number of students are unable to complete their education due to an inability to afford rising tuition costs.

As a strong believer in higher education and its positive impact on young people, I voted in the 110th Congress to pass the College Opportunity and Affordability Act to curtail rising tuition costs, expand grant and loan availability, and otherwise increase attendance at colleges and universities across the United States.

During the 111th Congress, the ARRA and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 also contained important provisions to improve accessibility to higher education. By expanding funding for Pell Grants and the "American Opportunity" tax credit, post-secondary education is now more affordable for millions of low- and moderate-income students. I strongly believe that our global competitiveness depends on improving to higher education for all Americans.

INCREASED FUNDING FOR YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

Studies have shown that children, who have frequent, positive interactions with adult role models, perform better in school and are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol. In turn, academic performance improves when young Americans behave appropriately and are engaged in their studies. I have had the privilege of visiting many successful mentoring programs located throughout the Seventh Congressional District, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has had on the lives of young people.

In the 112th Congress, I have re-introduced H.R. 853, the Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act in an effort to provide underserved and at-risk students with much needed attention and support. With the assistance of a school faculty member or volunteer from the community, participating students in the Transition-to-Success Mentoring Program would be able to develop and execute a plan for academic excellence.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Enacted into law by President George W. Bush, No Child Left Left Behind established admirable goals and objectives for improving our public education system. Nevertheless, it has done a disservice to our children by overwhelmingly focusing on performance on standardized tests. Instead of addressing the individual needs of students in their classrooms, No Child Left Behind has caused many good teachers and administrators to become preoccupied by the threat of sanctions and school closings.

I strongly believe improving our public education system should be one of this nation's highest priorities. As the House considers reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act during the 112th Congress, rest assured I will continue to advocate for terminating unsuccessful policies and supporting those that benefit, improve and reform public schools.

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