NEA Testifies on School Modernization Issues

One of NEA's goals in the reauthorization of NCLB is to create a new program of federal support for school modernization and repairs, and Association member and math teacher Judi Caddick testified at a Feb. 13 hearing on Capitol Hill about the importance of physical conditions of schools.

"In my experience, and the experience of my colleagues, school modernization enhances student learning in many ways," Caddick said in her testimony. "Simply put, America's public schools are in desperate need of repair and renovation, and the research is clear — school conditions impact student learning."

The Illinois educator urged lawmakers to create new school construction projects, tax credits for school modernization bonds, and a federal grant program for school renovations. "Federal assistance is particularly needed to ensure the targeting of resources to communities with the greatest needs," said Caddick.

NEA President Reg Weaver echoed Caddick's call for Congress to support legislation that would help finance the modernization of the nation's public schools.

The physical condition of public schools is critical to student achievement and teacher morale," said Weaver. "Schools with the latest technology and learning tools help students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. Modern public schools are basic for better teaching and learning. Great public schools begin with modern facilities."

NEA supports bills that would add a school modernization grant program to ESEA including the Public School Repair and Renovation Act (H.R. 3902/S.1942 ), introduced by Representative Loebsack (D-IA) and Senator Harkin (D-IA) and the 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021 ), introduced by Representative Chandler (D-KY).

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