Classroom tours, roundtable discussion bring attention to Congresswoman's efforts to improve education across the nation
WASHINGTON – Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., held a series of events today to promote education-related legislation she is sponsoring in Congress. Chu's "Education Day" connected her with students, teachers, parents and community based organizations to learn about the innovative approaches local groups are taking to improve our schools, and discuss her efforts to expand these strategies nationwide.
A former teacher and school board member, Chu sits on the House Education and Labor Committee. She's made the most of that role by recently introducing bills to bring greater accountability to charter schools, expand health and social services, and increase students' career and college readiness. Chu's work has earned the attention and praise of education activists across the country.
"Providing a quality education is one of our government's most valuable services and best investments," Chu said. "Stimulus and recovery are important efforts, but the best way for us to ensure continued economic growth for our country is by investing in our children. That's why I'm working to expand the innovative approaches we're using here in Los Angeles to the rest of the country.
"Today's events provided a great opportunity to see what's working for our local students and classrooms. From providing better paths to a career, to increasing bilingual-learning opportunities, to tapping community resources so we can meet student needs, these are common-sense solutions that bring common ground to what's often a very heated debate. Education Day's broad spectrum of sponsors and participants shows the opportunity exists for us to change the tone of the current dialogue and move toward real progress for our students."
"As a teacher and public servant, this issue has always been close to my heart, and I'm committed to making sure every American child receives a world class education. I look forward to continuing to advocate and push for progress in Congress."
The Congresswoman's first event consisted of a visit to two of Wilson High School's Small Learning Communities. There, she toured classrooms and spoke with administrators, teachers, students and parents to get their feedback on Linked Learning, a program which combines rigorous college preparation with workplace experience to improve student engagement, academic achievement and success after high school. Chu recently introduced the Linked Learning Pathways Affording College and Career Success Act (H.R. 6174), to expand Linked Learning nationwide. The L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce initiated the bill and helped stage the event.
"The Linked Learning approach connects strong academics with real–world experience in a wide range of fields, like engineering, arts and media, and biomedical science," said Chu. "It leads to the high-skill, high-demand and high-paying jobs that the economy of tomorrow will be built around."
Next, Chu and other local officials toured a local bilingual early-learning program at Brooklyn Early Education Center (EEC) in East Los Angeles. There, they interacted with students and discussed the Global Learning Early Education Challenge Fund (GLEE) Act, upcoming legislation from Chu that would establish and fund bilingual early-learning program programs nationwide. Research shows that high-quality early childhood education helps close the achievement gap and offers one of the highest returns of any public investment – more than a $7 return for every dollar spent. The Brooklyn EEC event was done in conjunction with Preschool California, strong advocates for expanded early education bilingual learning instruction.
"Developing our youngest minds is the best path toward increased fluency now and improved competitiveness later," Chu explained. "Promoting bilingualism in our nation's schools ensures that the next generation of American students won't just travel the globe, they'll shape it."
A roundtable discussion with students, parents, teachers and community organizations at the new Esteban E. Torres High School wrapped up the Education Day events. Chu moderated the discussion, which focused on the benefits of community schools like Esteban E. Torres. The Congresswoman recently introduced the Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate Achievement (DIPLOMA) Act (H.R. 6229), to build on these programs by allowing states to award grants to local groups that coordinate, integrate and facilitate services aimed at strengthening student achievement. These services include tutoring, extending learning services, health care and social support. The Los Angeles Education Partnership, a major proponent of community schools, assisted with the roundtable.
"If we don't address the obstacles outside school walls, we'll never turnaround what goes on within them," Chu said. "Utilizing community resources to address problems like poor nutrition and abuse allows every child reach his or her full potential."
Representative Judy Chu was elected in July 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative of California's 32nd District, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. She is a member of the House Judiciary, Government Oversight, and Education and Labor Committees.
Congresswoman Chu's career in politics spans 24 years. A lifelong educator, Congresswoman Chu taught community college classes in Los Angeles and East Los Angeles for 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology and a B.A. in mathematics.
