Congressman Ruben Kihuen & Senator Jack Reed Introduce Educator Preparation Reform Act

Press Release

Last week, Representative Ruben J. Kihuen and Senator Jack Reed introduced the Educator Preparation Reform Act (H.R. 3636) which would modify federal laws governing teacher preparation, including reporting requirements, accountability provisions, and the TEACH Grant scholarship program. Statements from Rep. Kihuen and Senator Reed are below:

"As a product of the Clark County public schools, making sure all Nevadans have access to a quality education is not only one of my top priorities but important to me personally. Giving our young students the best shot at a quality education begins with investing in our teachers and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed," Kihuen said. "School districts across the country, including the Clark County School District, are struggling to recruit and retain high-quality and fully-prepared teachers. If we want to guarantee our kids have a strong foundation, we must provide teachers, principals, and other educators with the tools they need - a comprehensive system that supports their preparation, professional growth, and development. This bicameral piece of legislation would help ensure that all students have access to fully prepared and effective educators."

"We all know that high-quality and well-prepared teachers and principals make a tremendous difference for students and help raise student achievement in the classroom," said Senator Reed. "It's of great importance that we help those motivated teachers and principals hit the ground running, especially in the nation's highest-need schools. The best way to accomplish that is with a comprehensive system that encourages their preparation, professional growth, and development prior to the first day of school and throughout the length of their careers. I'm proud to once again introduce this legislation and push for an increased level of investment in our educators and their students."

The Educator Preparation Reform Act is supported by: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities; Council for Christian Colleges and Universities; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Association of State Directors of Special Education; National Disability Rights Network; National Network of State Teachers of the Year; Public Advocacy for Kids; Rural School and Community Trust; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children

Source