Rep. Mark Takano Sends Letter to ESEA Conference Committee Stating Principles for Progressive Education Reform
Washington DC –Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) sent a letter this morning to the conference committee negotiating the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The letter stated a list of progressive principles that should serve as the framework for the next chapter of K-12 public education reform.
“As conferees, your task is critical to the future of education in our nation,” wrote Rep. Takano. “No Child Left Behind and the current waiver system are unsustainable and actively harming our children. Congress must pass a compromised ESEA reauthorization bill that the President will sign into law.”
The four pillars of the Rep. Takano’s progressive education platform are:
- Ensuring our K-12 public education system is providing equitable access to quality education and resources for all students, including the most disadvantaged;
- Eliminating the test and punish system of high-stakes, low-quality standardized assessments, while creating an engaging curriculum;
- Ensuring our K-12 public education system is preparing our students for college or a career; and
- Supporting our educators and strengthening educator training programs.
“My progressive education platform is grounded in my experience as a public high school teacher for more than 23 years. I understand the importance of putting administrators, educators, and students in a position to succeed. I am hopeful the final bill will reflect these principles so I can support it when it comes to the House floor for a vote. I thank the conference committee for their work, and look forward to seeing the final agreement,” said Rep. Takano.
A copy of the letter is available here.