| Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee introduced the Excellence and Accountability in Education Act, a comprehensive K-12 education reform package. This bill would renew the main Federal effort to improve elementary and secondary education by infusing sensible accountability geared at increasing academic achievement. Representative George Miller (D-CA) and other Democratic Members of Congress joined Congressman Kildee in sponsoring this legislation.
"For the first time ever, Federal programs benefitting elementary and secondary education will be focused on results and increasing academic achievement," said Kildee. "This legislation provides new tools to ensure all children can succeed in school. With last weeks unveiling of President Bush's education priorities, I look forward to working with him to include this package of much needed reforms."
The Excellence and Accountability in Education Act would:
Double Title I funding over 5 years and increase targeting of resources to disadvantaged areas.
Institute strong and reasonable accountability provisions–
· Set performance goals designed to show annual progress in academic achievement;
· Target immediate resources to reform and improve failing schools;
Strengthen teacher quality!
· Require States to have a plan to ensure that all teachers are fully qualified by 2005;
Respond to school renovation and construction needs!
· Expand existing school repair and renovation assistance to include new construction – focusing on disadvantaged communities.
Upgrade and streamline technology programs!
· Help schools integrate technology into the curriculum and teachers' instructional practices;
· Focus technology resources on the most disadvantaged school districts;
Foster school safety and strong discipline!
· Require Safe and Drug Free Schools programs to be based on research and proven practices;
· Provide for alternative education programs to students who are suspended or expelled to help prevent them from committing juvenile crime;
Maintain or expand existing national priorities such as –
· After-school programs, through 21st Century Community Learning Centers;
· Class size reduction;
Congressman Kildee is second most senior Democratic Member on the U.S. House of Representatives, Education and the Workforce Committee. During the 106th Congress, Kildee was the top Democratic Member on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families which oversees Federal programs for K-12 education, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and intends to remain in this post for the 107th Congress. During this Congress, Representative Kildee intends to primarily focus on accountability for educational results, increased teacher quality, class-size reduction, school construction and improved school safety and discipline. | 
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)