Congresswoman Fudge Introduces the CORE ACT to Close the Resource Gap in Public Education

Press Release

Recognizing the critical importance of educating all of America's children equitably, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today introduced The Core Opportunity Resources for Equity and Excellence (CORE) Act of 2015. This legislation aims to close the resource gap that impedes access to a quality education for millions of our nation's students, and is a companion to a bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Jack Reed (RI) and Senator Sherrod Brown (OH).

"The achievement gap is real. Disparities in public education exist and without the resources vital to academic success, many students in minority or low-income communities, as well as students who are English learners are denied the tools they need to grow, learn and achieve. This must change," said Congresswoman Fudge.

"Every student deserves the chance to reach his or her full potential. The CORE Act not only helps to ensure that ladders of opportunity exist in every classroom, but it also raises achievement standards for all students. America's economic future hinges on our commitment to provide our youth with a sound, quality education."

The CORE Act establishes accountability requirements that compel states and school districts to give all students equitable access to core resources necessary to achieve career and college readiness by high school graduation. These resources include:

High qualityinstructional teams, includinglicensed and profession-ready teachers,principals, school librarians, counselors, andeducation support staff and;

Rigorous academic standards and curricula that lead to college andcareerreadiness byhigh schoolgraduation and areaccessible to all students, includingstudents withdisabilities and English learners.

Data published by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights found that African-American, Hispanic, and Native American students, as well as English learners, attend schools with higher concentrations of inexperienced teachers. This comprehensive survey also revealed the magnitude of other disparities, for example one in five high schools lack a school counselor and between 10 to 25 percent of high schools do not offer more than one of the core courses in high school math, science, geometry, biology and chemistry.

Background: Congresswoman Fudge introduced an identical bill in 2014 during the 113th Congress. Past supporters of the CORE Act include:

American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education

American Federation of Teachers

American Libraries Association

Coalition for Community Schools

Education Law Center

Fair Test

First Focus Campaign for Children

League of United Latin American Citizens

National Association of School Psychologists

National Education Association

National Latino Education Research and Policy Project

Opportunity Action

Public Advocacy for Kids

Public Advocates, Inc.

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center

Texas Center for Education Policy

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