“The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA),” also known as “No Child Left Behind,” expired at the end of fiscal year 2008 and while it has been due for reauthorization, it has been operating at FY 2008 levels. In recent weeks, we have seen a lot of activity around this legislation as both the House and Senate have begun work on reauthorizing the bill.
In the Senate, the “Strengthening America’s Schools Act” was introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). This bill was marked up and passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) committee on a party line vote. Additionally, Senator Lamar Alexander introduced the “Every Child Ready for College or Career Act of 2013.” This legislation was offered as a substitute at the HELP committee markup but not accepted. In the House, Congressman John Kline (R-MN) introduced the “Student Success Act,” which was marked up today by committee and passed on a party line vote. To see a side-by-side of the three bills, click here for an analysis by Education Week.
Given that the House and Senate are controlled by different political parties and thus have differing approaches to this reauthorization, there is a long road ahead for ESEA. We urge Congress to find common ground and pass legislation that focuses on student success and pathways to careers.
