Congressman John Barrow

Representing the 12th District of GEORGIA

Education

As a proud product of Georgia's public schools and the University of Georgia, I know that a strong public education system is the key to opportunity - not only for individuals but for our communities.

I'm committed to increasing funds for public schools, especially those struggling to turn around, and to ensure that teachers have the resources they need to be effective in the classroom.  As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I helped create new funding opportunities for early college high schools, as well as programs that help at-risk and low income students finish high school and prepare for college.  Our schools have a responsibility to leave no child behind academically, and I'm committed to improving the law to make it work better for students, teachers, schools, and states.  My priorities include:

  • Shifting the focus off labels for struggling schools and onto better support for these schools in their efforts to turn themselves around, with increased funding and the time they need to implement reforms and get results.
  • Attracting and retaining good teachers in high-need schools and subjects, by providing better support, training, mentoring, and professional career advancement opportunities for new and veteran teachers.
  • Encouraging schools to provide a comprehensive curriculum, including subjects such as history, civics, the arts, music, and physical education, so that all children are well-rounded and have opportunities for many different kinds of learning experiences.

I believe that a college education is the best investment a person can make in their future.  Over the course of a lifetime a college graduate will earn almost twice the income of someone who didn't go to college.  Today the cost of college is higher than ever, and is too high for many families to bear.  To fix this, I worked to pass the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act.  This legislation will provide continued access to the Federal student loan program for students and their families, and help make college more affordable.

More on Education

Jul 1, 2014 Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today announced that the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA) would receive a $10,941,160 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant will allow the CSRA EOA to provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Lincoln, Jenkins, Jefferson, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, and Warren Counties.
Apr 29, 2014 In The News

It’s official. Over 40 students at Jenkins County Elementary School are “bookworms.”

They were among 1,300 students in the 12th Congressional District to successfully complete Cong. John Barrow’s “Bookworms” reading program. The program ran Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013, during which time students, with the help of their families, were expected to read 20 books of their own choosing.

Apr 4, 2014 Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today recognized the more than 1,300 students from Georgia’s 12th District who completed the first-ever Barrow’s Bookworms Challenge. In the fall of 2013, Congressman Barrow invited elementary school students throughout the district to a reading program where each was tasked with reading 20 books over the course of the semester.
Jul 25, 2013 Press Release

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today launched a new program for students in Georgia’s 12th Congressional District, “Barrow’s Bookworms.”  The inaugural program is for students in elementary school for the 2013 –2014 academic year. 

Jul 22, 2013 Page

Barrow's Bookworms"Barrow's Bookworms" is an exciting new reading program for students in Georgia's 12th Congressional District.  The program will run from September 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014.  During that time, students, with the help of their families, are expected to read 20 books of their own choosing.  Parents will keep a log of the books each child reads througho

Apr 25, 2013 Press Release

WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) will host a series of student financial literacy events in the 12th District. The events are aimed at preparing high school students for the financial obligations associated with attending college and offering guidance for students already attending college.