Congressman Moran Introduces Federal Whole Child Resolution

H. Res. 1093 Draws on ASCD's Work to Ensure Each Child Is Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported, and Challenged

Alexandria, VA (03/03/10)—Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) recently introduced H. Res. 1093—the first-ever federal Whole Child Resolution—to designate March as "National Whole Child Month" and make a whole child approach to education a national priority. H. Res. 1093 is the result of ASCD's ongoing work with Congress and the Obama administration to ensure that our nation's education policy supports a comprehensive and coordinated approach to education that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

"To maintain our global competitiveness and pass on the promise of the American dream to future generations, we need to change the way we think about childhood education," said Rep. Moran. "The responsibility for educating our kids doesn’t stop at the school house door. Parents, community organizations, businesses, and government should work together to support the success of the whole child."

"ASCD and its members have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the development of the whole child, but educators cannot do this work alone," said ASCD Executive Director Gene R. Carter. "We commend Congressman Moran for his national leadership in support of this coordinated and comprehensive approach to education and for encouraging his colleagues to show their support. Practice and policy must work in concert; together we must make the whole child approach to education a national priority so that each child is ready for meaningful employment, continuing education, and active participation in our global society."

Congress is expected to vote on H. Res. 1093 within the next few weeks. ASCD is encouraging educators, parents, business leaders, and any interested member of the public to write their federal representatives, urging them to cosponsor the resolution to help speed its passage. The association is also providing opportunities for local action. Individuals can sign the Whole Child Petition to tell their state boards of education they must do more to educate the whole child. And they can use the Whole Child Resolution Tool Kit to ask their school boards, town councils, and other policymakers in their communities to support a local resolution that addresses the needs of the whole child.

ASCD began its Whole Child Initiative three years ago to encourage schools and communities to move beyond a narrow curriculum and accountability system and, instead, work together to ensure that each student has access to a challenging, comprehensive curriculum in a healthy and supportive climate. The association is joined by a diverse group of about 50 partners from leading education, health, arts, and civic organizations who have signed on to further the initiative.

Contact Information  

• David Griffith, policy director, at 1-703-575-5621 or by e-mail
• Barbara Michelman, communications director, at 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail