Every child deserves a high-quality education. That starts with early learning programs—including Head Start and preschool—and continues through post-secondary education.

Federal education funds must be invested where they will do the most good. That means increased funding for programs such as No Child Left Behind, Head Start, Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Senator Feinstein has also supported legislation to ensure that rural schools have a steady and reliable source of funding.

Senator Feinstein is a longtime supporter of the Pell Grant program, which provides access to college for so many of our neediest students. She continues to work to expand college readiness programs, graduate study opportunities, and vocational education programs.

Priorities:

• Correcting the underfunding of the No Child Left Behind Act and improving its implementation.
   
• Ensuring that Title I funding goes to improving the academic achievement of low-income students.
   
• Preparing students for college and the workforce upon high school graduation.
   
• Addressing the rising costs of a college education.
   
• Ensuring that rural schools have a steady and reliable source of funding.
   
• Expanding the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program to California so schools can provide fruits and vegetables to students.

Accomplishments:

• Worked to ensure California receives its fair share of Title I funding for schools serving large numbers of low-income students.
   
• Supported programs to recruit highly qualified math and science teachers, and worked to provide funds for National Science Foundation K-12 education programs.
   
• Expanded teacher training opportunities by providing Pell college grants to needy students enrolled in a fifth year of college, which is required in California to obtain a teaching credential.
   
• Worked to improve teacher quality and to construct smaller schools for students in elementary through high school.
   
• Introduced and supported a measure, along with Senator Barbara Boxer, in The College Cost Reduction Act that eliminates the “tuition sensitivity” clause in the Pell Grant system, which unfairly prevents students who attend community colleges and lower-tuition institutions from receiving the maximum Pell Grant. This fix will help more students make ends meet so they can focus on their studies and their future.