Hall Votes for Responsible Education Reform

Press Release

Today Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted in favor of H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which passed the House 221-207. This bill reauthorizes The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind) through 2019, while making responsible and necessary reforms to the program.

"Quality education for our nation's students is directly tied to their future opportunities, as well as America's innovation and competitiveness," said Hall. "That is why, as a longtime supporter of our school systems, I want to ensure students across the nation and in our great State of Texas receive the best education possible."

Hall continued, "Local school districts and parents know best what their students need, and the reforms in today's bill would remove burdensome federal intervention and allow states and local school districts the freedom to direct federal resources in the manner they deem best serves their students."

Currently, student education achievements across the country are falling short. However, Texas' education system is faring better. According to the Department of Education's most recent data, Texas is ranked first for graduation rates for Asian and white students, is tied for the highest graduation rate for African-American students, and is tied for the third highest graduation rate in the country for all students.

"I believe Texas' success is the reflection of the State's and local school districts' efforts to make positive education reforms. The Student Success Act follows this philosophy and provides states and school districts greater flexibility to develop appropriate school improvements using their own discretion. These responsible reforms ensure America's students receive a better education that is catered toward their specific needs and uses taxpayer dollars more efficiently."

"It is in the best interest of our students to return responsibility for student education to states, school districts, and parents. I will continue to support our students, teachers, and local officials as we work together to provide the best education and opportunities for our children."

Reforms in the Student Success Act include:

- Eliminating "Adequate Yearly Progress" and replacing it with state-determined accountability systems;
- Repealing the federal "Highly Qualified Teacher" requirements and directing the states and school districts to develop teacher evaluation systems that measure an educator's influence on student learning;
- Consolidating more than 70 duplicative K-12 education programs into a new Local Academic Flexible Grant; and
- Prohibiting the Secretary of Education from requiring the adoption of national standards as a condition to receive a waiver or grant from the federal government.

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