Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued the following statement marking the fifth anniversary today of passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Senator Clinton has worked for over 30 years to raise education standards in our nation’s schools. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Clinton will help lead efforts this Congress to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act and make critical improvements to the law.

“Five years ago today, I joined my colleagues in passing sweeping bipartisan education reform through the No Child Left Behind Act. While I firmly believe in the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, the under-funding of this crucial law makes it impossible for teachers and schools to reach these goals. New York alone has received $6.7 billion less than promised under the law. It is crucial that we increase funding for No Child Left Behind to ensure that all children have access to critical programs that have proven records of improving children’s lives.

This Congress will reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act and we must use this opportunity to make the changes needed to provide all children with the quality education they need for success in the 21st century economy. We have learned a lot in the past five years about how children learn, what teachers and parents need to assist them with their children’s education, and how federal policy can effect that change. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee which will lead efforts in the Senate to reauthorize the law, I will strive to improve accountability and standards in education particularly in math and science, increase quality and professional development for teachers and principals, improve instruction for English language learners and, guarantee that all children are educated in schools that are equipped for the 21st century. I am committed to helping teachers, parents, principals and all those committed to America’s children to move our education system forward so all children can successfully compete in our global economy."

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