• Home
• About Amy
• Serving Minnesotans
• About Minnesota
• Issues/ Legislation
• Media Center
• Contact Amy
• FAQ

News Releases

Senator Klobuchar Listens to Minnesotans on Education Reform

No Child Left Behind Law Is Up for Reauthorization by Congress

April 19, 2009

BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar led a roundtable discussion today with Minnesota educators and parents to hear their views on the strengths and weaknesses of the federal No Child Left Behind law, which is up for reauthorization by Congress this year. 

“Minnesotans place a high value on education, and so do I,” said Klobuchar.  “I want to know what education reforms at the federal level will best serve our schools and our students.”
 
Throughout April and May, Klobuchar and her staff are holding a series of education forums around the state on the No Child Left Behind law.
 
Signed into law in January 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act was supposed to improve student performance by increasing accountability for states, school districts and schools. 

Supporters say the federal law has brought much-needed accountability to public education, especially in serving disadvantaged students.  Critics say it has created new underfunded mandates and encouraged an excessive focus on narrow standardized testing.

“I believe in setting high expectations for our schools and our students,” said Klobuchar.  “But to get the job done, we need to make sure No Child Left Behind is measuring the right things, and we need to provide the resources to do it.”

Klobuchar’s roundtable discussion was held at Bloomington’s Washburn Elementary School, which is one of nine schools designated this year as a “school of excellence” by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association.

Along with Klobuchar, those participating in the roundtable discussion included:
 
-          Charlie Kyte, Executive Director, Minnesota Association of School Administrators
-          Jackie Magnuson, President, Minnesota School Boards Association
-          Jim Meffert-Nelson, President-elect, Minnesota PTA
-          Jon Millerhagen, Principal, Washburn Elementary School
-          Paul Mueller, Vice President, Education Minnesota
 
###