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***MEDIA ADVISORY*** Committee to Examine Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Nation’s Classrooms
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
February 8, 2011
On Thursday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m., the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), will hold a hearing on “Education in the Nation: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities Facing America’s Classrooms” in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Education is critical to the competitiveness of America’s workforce and the strength of our economy. Unfortunately, too many students either fail to graduate from high school, or graduate without the skills needed to pursue higher education or succeed in the workplace. Reading and math assessment scores remain largely unchanged from 1973 levels, and academic achievement gaps in high school are wider today than they were in the 1980s and 1990s. Since 1965, the federal government has become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operations of the nation's classrooms. Federal education spending has increased by 425 percent over the last 30 years, yet student achievement has not substantially improved. In recent years, many states and local school districts have adopted innovative solutions to improve academic performance, enhance accountability, and involve parents in their child’s education. Federal policy should not undermine important efforts underway at the local level to advance student achievement. Members of the committee will hear testimony that describes the challenges and opportunities that states and local school districts face in preparing students for success, and examine the current federal role in the nation’s education system. # # # WITNESS LIST Dr. Tony Bennett |
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