Issues Education

Access to a high-quality education is critical for success later in life and is more important than ever in our increasingly competitive global economy. We need to provide a strong education system that prepares our children to become the world's future leaders and innovators. To do so, we need to encourage thoughtful education reforms and support our public schools with the critical resources that help all of America's children reach their full potential.

While there are many outstanding public schools, there is still an unacceptable achievement gap and graduation rate gap in our nation between low-income students, students of color, English language learners and students with disabilities on the one hand and their more advantaged peers on the other. The federal government needs to do more to address these inequalities and help ensure that all children, regardless of their background, are prepared for success in the 21st century.

Throughout my career in the U.S. Senate, I have worked to decrease these educational disparities by proposing reforms to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), supporting educational opportunities for students with special needs, making college more affordable, and increasing access to educational resources for students from low income families. I am committed to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of their background, have access to a good, affordable education from early childhood through college.