Congressman Loebsack Introduces Two New Education Bills

CONGRESSMAN LOEBSACK INTRODUCES TWO NEW EDUCATION BILLS

Both Bills Aim To Better Prepare Our Nation's Students For The Future

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced two bills in the United States House of Representatives to help our nation's students succeed in school and become better prepared for college and the 21st century workforce. The bills introduced were the GRADUATES ACT and the WE CARE Act.

"It is my priority to provide schools the opportunity to try innovative approaches to increase student achievement and graduation rates," said Congressman Loebsack. "Both of the bills I introduced today, the GRADUATES Act and the WE CARE Act, will begin to provide the resources necessary to better prepare Iowa's children for college and to compete in our nation's growing economy."

The Getting Retention and Diplomas Up Among Today's Enrolled Students Act (GRADUATES Act), which is the House counterpart to Senators Reid, Murray and Pryor's bill in the Senate, would provide competitive grants to spur innovation in our nation's secondary schools. Numerous organizations have expressed strong support for the Congressman's leadership on this issue. These organizations include the Alliance for Excellent Education, ACT, Jobs for the Future and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

"The GRADUATES Act would revitalize our high schools unlike any other proposal," said Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Executive Director and CEO Gene R. Carter. "Representative Loebsack deserves tremendous thanks and support for introducing this bold proposal that will inspire and engage students and educators alike," Carter continued.

The other piece of legislation introduced was The Working to Encourage Community Action and Responsibility in Education Act (WE CARE Act). This bill would help to ensure that schools and communities work together with families to provide the necessary supports to students so they can excel in the classroom. The WE CARE Act amends No Child Left Behind Act to more strategically engage the community in the education of our students. Research demonstrates that services provided by community-based organizations are critical to keeping students in school, promoting academic achieve and reducing delinquent behavior.

After today's introduction, both pieces of legislation will be referred to the House Education and Labor Committee for consideration during No Child Left Behind Reauthorization.

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