Rep. Mark Takano Statement on Repealing No Child Left Behind

Washington DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after Secretary of Education Arne Duncan gave a speech calling for the repeal of No Child Left Behind:

 

"Today's speech by Secretary Duncan is a good first step in repealing and replacing No Child Left Behind - which has been long overdue. As a public school teacher who taught under No Child Left Behind for more than 10 years, I know first-hand the law's shortcomings. While it certainly had the best intentions, several portions have undoubtedly failed to improve student performance, specifically the current method of standardized testing. Study after study has shown that students learn the most when they are taught in a multitude of ways, and standardized testing takes away from those important learning methods and encourages educators to only teach to the test.

 

"While I do believe that the federal government has an important role in education and should continue collecting data on student performance, the current method of testing must be changed. We must also support teachers, invest in quality, traditional public schools, and close the achievement gap. Doing so would create an education system that is flexible, effective and more reflective of our national goals. I look forward to continuing this debate and hope that Administration officials and law makers come together to do what is best for our students." 

 

Rep. Mark Takano represents California’s 41^st Congressional district and is a Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Prior to being elected to Congress, he spent more than 20 years as a public school teacher and taught under No Child Left Behind.