Barnes Calls for Suspension of No Child Left Behind Penalties

Today, the Kay Barnes for Congress campaign unveiled its "Teachers for Kay" group and demanded that Washington fix the broken No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
"I am proud to have such strong support from teachers and education leaders throughout the 6th District," said Congressional candidate Kay Barnes. "These men and women are on the front lines of our education system and they understand more than anyone the need for drastic reform to our nation's education policy." Barnes, a former schoolteacher, has heard from teachers and education leaders across the 6th District that Congress may once again take a pass on fixing the No Child Left Behind Act this year. While Congress has failed to make the sweeping changes necessary to move our educational system forward, teachers, schools and students continue to be penalized.
In her statement about Congress' lack of action on NCLB, Barnes said:
"The continued failure of Congress to fix No Child Left Behind is perhaps the clearest example of how Washington is broken. Our schools, teachers and children suffer because Congress will not take on the challenge to demand change to our education system. I believe that until Washington fixes No Child Left Behind, we must place a moratorium on all penalties associated with it. It is ridiculous that our teachers and schools continue to be punished while Washington and Congress get a free pass for their failed action. When it comes to accountability, why do we hold our school children to a higher standard than members of Congress?" Teachers for Kay has members in each of the 6th Congressional District's 26 counties and will be responsible for advising Kay Barnes on education policy. They will also contact their colleagues and neighbors to inform them of Kay Barnes' positions on education issues.
"As a parent and former teacher, Kay Barnes is a strong advocate for Missouri Teachers," said Teachers for Kay Steering Committee Chair Julee Reese of Linn County. "We need an independent voice like Kay to clean up the mess in Washington and fix No Child Left Behind. I fully support her call to suspend any further penalties associated with NCLB until Congress acts." The Teachers for Kay Steering Committee is comprised of the following members: Julee Reese, Linn County (Chair); Evelyn Childers, Clay County; Glenn Jonagan, Nodaway County; Susan Donnelly, Howard County; Norma Frink, Howard County; Precious Strader, Buchanan County.