Washington Needs a Lesson on Education
As a former school teacher and a parent of two children, I know first-hand that good schools produce young people who can achieve the American Dream. That's why Washington needs to make it easier, not harder, for teachers to teach and for students to learn. Unfortunately, when it comes to education, Congress has been playing hookie.
The obstacles for schools and teachers only increased when President Bush and Congress passed the flawed No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. This legislation punished schools that lacked resources, such as those in small towns. And instead of helping them out, Congressman Sam Graves and his colleagues consistently voted against funding for these schools.
It's no wonder that Graves only got a 15 percent rating from the National Parent Teacher Association!
Last month, I called for a suspension of penalties on No Child Left Behind until Washington fixes this failed legislation. I am proud to announce that Congressman Sam Graves - who is undergoing an election-year transformation - is now supporting a bipartisan bill to do just that.
Thank you, Congressman, for finally standing with Missouri's hardworking parents and teachers. We just wish that you would have done your homework years ago.
Kay Barnes is a candidate for U.S. representative for Missouri's 6th Congressional District
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