NEA's Message to Members of Congress on Reauthorization of ESEA
March 21, 2007
1. Use more than test scores to measure student learning and school performance.
- Include multiple measures of student learning and school effectiveness instead of the current one-day snapshot based solely on standardized tests.
- Reward progress over time to improve student achievement at all levels.
- Recognize individual needs of students (Special education; ELL).
2. Reduce class size to help students learn.
- Restore the class size reduction program.
3. Increase the number of highly qualified teachers in our schools.
- Provide financial incentives to teachers who teach in hard-to-staff schools.
- Allow teachers who have achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to be deemed "highly qualified."
- Provide flexibility for teachers of multiple subjects, including special education and rural educators.
COMMENTS: