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ASCD Calls on Federal Lawmakers to Make Education a Priority in the 2009 Budget

Executive Director Gene R. Carter has asked federal lawmakers to make an investment in education today, rather than pay the price for under funding education in the future.

In written testimony to the U.S. House and Senate subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Carter said, "Our children's education, health, and our teachers' professional development are three of the most proven methods of maintaining our strength and competitiveness in a global economy."

Read Carter's full testimony to the House ( 72KB) and Senate ( 72KB) appropriations subcommittees.

2008 ASCD Legislative Agenda

The 2008 ASCD Legislative Agenda addresses the following education policy priorities: multiple indicators of achievement, school improvement and services, teachers and school leaders, and innovative high school redesign.

Share this agenda with your legislators and colleagues, and join Educator Advocates to make your voice heard at the federal level.

Comments on the NCLB Reauthorization Draft

ASCD has provided comments to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor in response to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) discussion draft that was circulated on August 29, 2007, with comments requested by September 5.

Read ASCD's comments on Title I ( 81KB) and Titles II–X ( 71KB) of the NCLB Reauthorization draft.

Recommendations for the Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind

ASCD released its recommendations for the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which we are sharing with members of Congress and other interested parties. The recommendations include

• Adjust the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) model to incorporate multiple measures of assessment.
• Offer the full complement of sanctions and intervention strategies immediately.
• Return the ability to determine which teachers are "highly qualified" to the states.

Both the House and Senate have indicated they will begin to reauthorize NCLB this year, and it could happen as soon as July. By releasing these recommendations, ASCD will be working with our members and the Congress to advance sound educational policy. If you are interested in helping in this effort, join Educator Advocates. 

Read all of the recommendations and the full text of the letter ( 91KB).

The ASCD High School Reform Proposal

Recognizing the importance of innovative high school reform, ASCD has named this issue as one of the Association's top legislative priorities and developed a High School Reform Proposal to help the U.S. Congress foster the innovative reform that is needed to fully support our nation's high school students.

How to Be an Effective Advocate  

The ASCD Advocacy Guide ( 1.18MB) will help you make the most of your time as an advocate. Even if you only have two minutes to spare, these tried-and-true approaches will make sure you are respected and effective as a go-to source for education policy.