Rev. Sharpton
National Action Network’s President Rev. Al Sharpton has praised the signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act into law by President Barack Obama, saying it repairs deficiencies in the No Child Left Behind law.
“Our education system has been broken for a very, very long time. The Every Student Succeeds Act that President Obama signed into law today is a major step forward in fixing the problems caused by No Child Left Behind, and providing America’s students with a fair, equal and advantageous education,” Sharpton said. “Under this new legislation, schools, teachers and students will no longer be forced to adhere to restrictive one-size-fits-all federal mandates that do nothing to help prepare our children for college and careers. The National Action Network (NAN) applauds the Obama administration’s continued efforts to raise academic expectations and guarantee the success of all students, no matter their race, gender or economic status.”
Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten also commended the president in a statement saying:
“It’s a new day in public education. For nearly 15 years, we’ve been treading water as top-down, test-and-sanction-based reforms failed to help all kids succeed. Parents, students and educators came together with one message: ‘Enough with the testing fixation. Let’s bring back the joy of learning.’ Legislators on both sides of the aisle listened, worked with one another and delivered.
“This law will usher in the most sweeping, positive changes to public education we’ve seen in two decades. It keeps the best of the original intent of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, targeting funding to support the disadvantaged schools and children who need it most. It significantly reduces the stakes and the amount of testing. It ensures that the federal government can no longer require these tests as part of teacher evaluation. And it makes public education a joint responsibility.
“Our work is only beginning, and our members are ready to roll up their sleeves at the state level, partner with community, and send the message that the policies of No Child Left Behind, waivers and Race to the Top should be abandoned, not replicated.
“This is the reset we’ve been fighting for in federal education policy. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work.”
