House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives

Education Issues

Special Education

In 2004, building on the historic No Child Left Behind Act, both parties in Congress rallied behind and approved the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act – legislation grounded in real, results-driven reforms on behalf of students with disabilities. The measure makes clear that states and schools are to be held strictly accountable for the progress of all students, including students with disabilities. 

Republicans and Democrats alike worked with parents, teachers, and schools to produce reforms that:

• make special education stronger for students and parents;
• ensure school safety and reasonable discipline;
• reduce unnecessary lawsuits and litigation;
• support teachers and schools; and
• reform special education funding and build on historic funding increases set in place by Republicans in Congress. 

In the 111th Congress, Republicans will continue working to see that these important reforms are implemented in a way that matches the spirit of the bipartisan 2004 law.

Press Releases

Kline Highlights New Venue for Americans to Speak Out on Education and Workplace Issues (May 25, 2010)

House Education and Labor Committee Republican Website Receives Gold Mouse Award (April 21, 2010)

Kline, Price Discuss Efforts to Improve Teacher Quality, Ensure Effective Teachers for All Students (September 30, 2009)

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Member Views

Kline Op-ed in the Star Tribune: A promise made to our children should be a promise kept (September 30, 2009)

Fact Sheets

The No Child Left Behind Act: Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Public Schools (January 4, 2007)

Floor Statements

Kline Statement: Consideration of H.R. 4247, the Keeping All Students Safe Act (March 3, 2010)

Committee Statements

Castle Statement: Hearing on “Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Students” (March 18, 2010)

Kline Statement: Hearing on “Teacher Equity: Effective Teachers for All Children” (September 30, 2009)

Rep. Price Testimony at Hearing on "Teacher Equity: Effective Teachers for All Children" (September 30, 2009)

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