Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, December 13, 2001

MFWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 315 Cannon Hou>* Office Building LurtvMvill*, Maryland 2 1 093 Workington, D.C 205 1 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Thursday, December 13, 2001 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich, House of Representatives Approve President Bush’s Landmark Education Reforms WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) voted today for sweeping reforms in America’s education system that empower parents and students, and free local school leaders from bureaucratic red tape. The conference report for HR. 1, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, was adopted in the House by an overwhelming vote of 381-41, and awaits President Bush’s signature. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “Despite events since September 1 1, President Bush never wavered in his commitment to provide America’s children with the best education possible. By adopting his principals for education reform, we deliver a momentous victory to parents and students alike, and make an unprecedented investment in America’s future.” These reforms, which represent the progressive education principals for which George W. Bush fought during the presidential campaign, are the most dramatic reforms adopted in over 35 years. These principals include real accountability, unprecedented flexibility for states and school districts, and more options for parents. First, this bill enhances accountability by providing parents with annual report cards on school performance and statewide student testing results, as well as information about the qualifications of their child’s teachers. In addition, states would be required to separate student testing results by certain criteria in order to ensure that achievement gaps are closing between economically- challenged students and their peers. Second, every local school district in Maryland will have unprecedented flexibility to transfer up to 50% of their federal dollars among an assortment of programs, including teacher quality, technology, innovative programs, Safe & Drug-Free Schools, and after-school learning. In addition, H.R. 1 allows parents to use Title I funds, which are dedicated to economically- challenged students, to pay for supplemental educational services - including after-school services, tutoring, and summer school programs, for children who are stuck in failing schools.