Flint – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) convened a field hearing of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education in Flint today called "Local Perspectives on the No Child Left Behind Act" (NCLB). Congressman Kildee is chairman of the subcommittee.

“Today we gathered local Michigan perspectives on how the No Child Left Behind Act has worked and what we can do to make it better,” Congressman Kildee said. “I am confident the testimony from today’s hearing will play an important role as Congress works to reauthorize this law.”

The following witnesses testified at today’s hearing:

• David Solis - Director of State, Federal and Local Programs for the Flint Community Schools - testified on NCLB's impact on Flint schools and the district’s reform efforts.

• Jan D. Russell - Assistant Superintendent, Genesee  Intermediate School District (GISD) - testified on GISD’s provision of special education to students with disabilities throughout Genesee County. 

• Steve Burroughs - President, United Teachers of Flint (UTF) - testified on the UTF’s, Michigan Education Association’s and National Education Association’s recommendations for reauthorization of NCLB.

• Andrea Debardelaben - a parent from Saginaw - testified to the importance of parent involvement with children’s education and the Michigan and National Parent-Teacher Associations' recommendations for reauthorization of NCLB. 

• Don Tilley - Social Studies Department Chair, Bay City Central High School - testified to the need for more NCLB funding, flexibility concerning the definition of highly qualified teacher and the need for more support services for students. 

Signed in 2002, NCLB requires states to establish standards in reading, math, and science and to test students on those topics - although science tests are not required until the 2007-2008 school year. It also requires states to ensure that all teachers teaching core academic subjects are highly qualified. Currently, Congress is working to reauthorize the law.

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