Nick Smith, August 18, 2002

With summer drawing to a close, kids are preparing to return to classes. Due to the passage of the President's education legislation last January, they will likely begin to see some of the changes to increase the flexibility and accountability of our schools. Much of the new law reflects programs successfully implemented in Michigan under Governor Engler. Despite billions and billions spent on federal aid, we too often see children trapped in failing schools that do not give them the skills they will need in the competitive job market. The substandard education they receive in these schools will reduce their standard of living, and their prospects for success.

Though H.R. 1 will substantially increase funding for education, even more important are the provisions setting standards for student achievement and increasing school accountability. Specifically, the law requires states using federal education funds to test students in reading and math annually between third and eighth grade. This will give parents, voters and taxpayers data, including annual report cards on local school performance and statewide results. It will also include information on the quality of their children's schools, teachers' qualifications and progress made in key subjects.

Schools will also have greater authority over the use of education funds. Every local school district in America will immediately receive the freedom to transfer up to half of the federal dollars they receive among an assortment of programs. Congress and the President will also allow up to 150 local demonstration projects to test new ideas. School districts taking part in these projects get a virtual waiver from federal education rules as long as they can show increased student achievement. These projects will give local school districts flexibility to meet local educational needs.

The accountability provisions of the bill also give parents options if local schools fail to meet minimum standards three years in a row. These parents will be allowed to transfer their children to a better performing public or charter school, or use federal "Title I" funds (about $500 to $1000 per child) for supplemental educational services - such as tutoring, after school services, and summer school.

One problem is that our current K-12 school system is often woefully ineffective at preparing students to pursue math and science majors. The Science Committee, and my Subcommittee on Research in particular, has worked extensively at improving it. Last year, the House passed our bill, H.R. 1858, authorizing the National Science Foundation to build partnerships for improved cooperation between high schools and universities so students are better prepared for college math and science curriculum.

These changes in law will help, but parents are still the key to their kids' education. I'm holding town hall meetings around the district on how our Michigan schools will be affected. Two meetings held in Coldwater and Hillsdale showed that Michigan is far ahead of most states in education standards. We not only require testing in reading and math, but also in science and writing. Michigan also requires 70% of students to pass the test B compared to 50% for most other states - and allows parents the flexibility of sending their kids to one of 200 charter schools, or other public schools within a county or intermediate school district. Government at local, state and national levels need to make education a priority. Our future economic and national security will depend on it.

Congressman Nick Smith, a Republican, represents Michigan's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.