Congressman Lowenthal Gives Floor Statement on H.R. 5, Reauthorization of Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
On July 22, 2013, Congressman Lowenthal submitted the following remarks on H.R. 5, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization bill, into the Congressional Record:
"Education is our greatest investment in our future. As with any long term investment, the real rewards of the investment are often not seen until decades later. Investment takes patience and foresight and a thoughtful approach.
"Studies show that U.S. businesses are in need of workers that are collaborative and creative critical thinkers. We must build an educational system that supports the development of this workforce. To achieve this, we in Congress must reflect these values by working collaboratively and tapping the full complement of creative minds in this house. Our work product can only be as good as we are.
"I ask that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle work with us to develop the kind of educational system that will provide the opportunity for every child to meet their potential and become assets to our country.
"Let's begin by finding our common ground. We all can agree that our current accountability system goes too far and too often acts as the enemy of creativity. Our challenge is to develop policy that supports inspired learning environments while also accounting for ELL students, students at risk and special needs students. I believe we can find that balance.
"We can agree that an educated workforce is good for the country. Perhaps we can agree that we need an educational system that supports the diverse talents of all students – those that shine academically and those that shine in career tech classes. I believe we can achieve this too.
"Our current educational system is losing on the international stage. Contrary to the recent years of economic struggle, the U.S. continues to be a land of plenty on the world scale. If we hope to remain a world leader, it is essential that we stop looking at our educational system with a scarcity mentality – a mentality that acts to take from one to give to another, where there is not enough for all. We must recognize that our educational system is our greatest investment and fight to put all we can into it. We can't afford to lose children, to lose their talents and their potential contributions to our country. We need every one of them.
"H.R. 5 has some good components that move us in a better direction. Unfortunately, this legislation lacks the kind of investment needed to educate our future workforce. Education is the key to a strong democracy, economic competitiveness and continued global leadership for the U.S."