Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement in response to “A Blueprint for Reform,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s outline for reauthorization of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act:
“Education reform is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. To keep America competitive and prosperous, we need a world-class education system that puts the needs of students, parents, teachers, and communities first.
“Secretary Duncan deserves great credit for his bipartisan approach to reform. His willingness to take on the special interests and shake up the status quo are vital first steps to producing meaningful school improvement. Yet the real test always comes when words are translated into policy.
“I have long believed the parents, teachers, and school leaders on the front lines are best equipped to improve student achievement. Reforms originating in Washington, D.C. simply cannot respond to the unique challenges faced by individual students and schools, which is why education reform remains primarily the right and responsibility of states and local communities.
“The blueprint identifies many of the right goals for improving our schools and helping all students achieve their fullest potential. With these shared goals as a starting point, there are clearly still major differences from across the spectrum about the best path forward. Whether it’s federal pressure to adopt national standards or prescriptive reporting and school management requirements, this blueprint has already sparked strong debate.
“While I have questions and concerns about many of the specific proposals – particularly those that increase federal intrusion into our schools – I welcome the opportunity to continue debating what it means to ensure educational excellence now and into the future.”
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