Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Investing in education is an investment into our economy and quality of life. Advancements in childhood nutrition, after-school programs, technology in schools, as well as teacher salaries and teacher recruitment and training must be a priority for success. We have seen severe state budget cuts undermine the ability of states and local school districts to provide a quality education to all American children; this has resulted in overcrowded and dilapidated schools, overburdened teachers, and increased class sizes, inadequate support services like special education, after-school care and preschool programs. That is why I have continually voted against legislation that would make drastic cuts to our children's education.

Social and Emotional Learning:

In the last few years, I have become convinced of the necessity of teaching social and emotional learning skills to our children, and have worked with some great leaders in bringing the financial and intellectual skills and expertise to the Youngstown and Warren City Schools. Social and Emotional Learning is a process that promotes the development of core personal competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships skills, and responsible decision-making, all within a safe, caring, and participatory learning environment.

I joined with my colleagues Congresswoman Judy Biggert and Congressman Dale Kildee in introducing the Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Act of 2011 (HR 2437). The act defines social and emotional learning (SEL) and amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to allow funding for teacher and principal training and professional development to be used for SEL programming.

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