Shaheen Applauds Senate Passage of Elementary & Secondary Education Reform Bill

Washington, DC – This afternoon, Senator Jeanne Shaheen voted in favor of broad reforms to elementary and secondary education policy, known as The Every Child Achieves Act (S.1177). The Senate passed this legislation by a bipartisan vote of 81 to 17. This legislation reforms and updates many problematic policies that were put in place by the No Child Left Behind law passed in 2002.  

“As a former teacher and governor, I know that it’s the teachers and administrators on the ground in our local school districts that know how best to address the education needs of their communities,” said Shaheen. “This legislation represents long overdue reforms to federal education policy by giving state governments and local school districts more control and flexibility in how they use federal funds as they work to support and improve their elementary, middle and high schools. I’m also very pleased that the legislation expands science, technology and math programs that will help create and encourage the next generation of American innovators.”

Several Shaheen priorities were added to the legislation, including an amendment that supports science, technology and math (STEM) after-school learning programs by making federal funding available under a new STEM education grant. The bill also includes a Shaheen provision that provides support for low-income students in innovative STEM activities, such as robotics competitions, as well as a provision that allows local school districts greater flexibility to use federal funds for programs that promote volunteerism and community service.