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AEP Online |
Rep. Miller Speaks in Support of NCLB and Denounces Reading First ImplementationLate last month Rep. George Miller (D-CA), ranking Democrat on the House Labor, HHS and Education Committee, addressed a group of education supporters in a panel discussion sponsored by the National Journal. He opened by confirming his commitment to NCLB and stated that the plan for reauthorization included ongoing bi-partisan work between Chairman Boehner (R-OH) and all members of the committee. Rep. Miller recognized that there will be efforts to undo parts of the law and admitted that the law isn’t anywhere close to perfect. Discussion about inadequacies in the law are important, he said, and lawmakers will react to them when they can and make changes when it makes sense to do so. Miller's advice for those who want to repeal NCLB: the law is not going anywhere, so learn to "deal with it." On the issue of funding Miller emphasized that Congress needs more resources to carry out the reforms. "We delivered, he broke his promise," was Miller’s characterization of the Bush administration's budgetary priorities. NCLB represents the most comprehensive education reform in thirty years, and funding is critical. With that he closed and took questions. Jim Kohlmoos, Executive Director of NEKIA and AEP board member asked what the Representative thought about the Inspector General’s report on Reading First and how it would affect the Scientifically Based research standard. Rep. Miller said that he was asking the Justice Department for a criminal investigation, and the report was only the first in a series of five that would come out. In his reply to a question from Reggie Felton of the NSBA, Miller stated that the committee wants to begin the work as soon as possible, "We want to start at the beginning of the year and move...there will be a thorough re-examination until all sectors are heard." Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 856-241-7772. |
Contact Jennifer Hill, AEP Government Relations Director. |
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