Secretary Duncan's Statement on New Legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives Concerning No Child Left Behind

Statement

"After an economic crisis that forced schools to cut their budgets and hit teachers hard, the last thing we should do right now is cut funding for education. Unfortunately, Chairman Kline's proposed legislation would allow cuts to school funding. It also fails to give teachers and the schools who need it most the resources they need. And it sends the message that ensuring a quality education for every child isn't a national responsibility.

"Every child in America, not just some, deserves a fair shot. We have seen tremendous progress in schools across the country thanks to the hard work of educators and education leaders. But I am concerned that this proposal would turn back the clock on that growth because it doesn't invest in preschool, or support schools and districts in creating innovative new solutions to problems that translate into better outcomes for students.

"There is agreement that it is time to replace the broken No Child Left Behind law, and I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in both the Senate and the House to create a bipartisan law. I very much respect Chairman Kline and his concern for education. There is much we can debate in reauthorizing this law--and many opportunities for productive compromise. However, Congress must not abdicate its responsibility to help all children succeed."

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