House Education Committee Unveils Spanish-Language "No Child Left Behind" Website

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner (R-OH) today unveiled a Spanish version of the committee’s official website (http://edworkforce.house.gov/spanish/) to bring President George W. Bush’s message of bipartisan education reform to the Hispanic community. The Education & the Workforce Committee is the first House committee to implement a Spanish-language website.

          In May, the House passed the President’s No Child Left Behind bill (H.R. 1), which focuses on closing the achievement gap between Hispanic students and their peers, by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 384-45. According to a National Education Goal Panel report released earlier this year, only two states reduced the reading achievement gap between white students and Hispanic students. On average, whites scored 29 points ahead of Hispanics on standardized reading tests.

          "The achievement gap between Hispanic students and their peers is unacceptable. Our new website will help our Spanish-speaking constituents learn more about the President’s plan to help their children reach their fullest educational potential," Boehner said. "The President’s No Child Left Behind education plan is the most important legislative initiative we will consider this year and it is vitally important that we communicate the message of high standards for our schools in every way possible."

          "With the Hispanic population in America growing larger every year, it’s important for us to reach out to this important community and help them stay informed," Boehner said. "President Bush has made an admirable effort to reach out to Hispanic Americans. We are following his example."

          Census Bureau data indicates America’s Hispanic population has skyrocketed in the past decade, with Hispanics accounting for more than 12 percent of the nation’s population. By 2020, the Hispanic population is expected to grow by another to 20 percent. (Tom Raum, "Bush emphasis on Latin America, Asia tracks immigration trends," Associated Press, June 23, 2001)

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