Education

Education is the key to Kentucky’s future. I am committed to making sure Kentucky’s students get a quality education and have the opportunity to go to college or other higher education.

I support the goals of No Child Left Behind, the landmark education reform law passed by Congress in 2001. Parents need the tools to ensure their children receive a quality education and schools must be held accountable for what they teach. Parents should know how their children are doing in school. When students graduate from high school, they must be ready for college or a career.

With the increased accountability of No Child Left Behind, Congress has provided increased resources. Since passage of the act, Congress has increased education spending for disadvantaged students by 45 percent. Funding for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act programs has increased 68 percent since President Bush took office. Overall, the Department of Education’s budget has grown 22 percent since 2001.

Kentucky has one of the most affordable networks of colleges and technical schools in the country. But the costs are still too high for many students and parents. That is why I introduced a bill to create the “Pell Grants Plus” program to provide an additional $1,000 in Pell Grants for students who take a rigorous high school curriculum. Also, Congress has increased Pell Grant funding 32 percent in the last 5 years to over $13 billion per year. That is good news for the thousands of Kentuckians relying on federal student aid to go to college.

I will continue to support education programs that give parents and students more choices and tools for success. I will also continue to support the resources necessary for schools and teachers to provide quality education. I have worked with the Department of Education to make sure the unique needs of Kentucky’s schools are met by No Child Left Behind, and I will continue to push for increased flexibility to ensure that all of Kentucky’s students succeed.