Education Reform
Principles
- Promote choice, flexibility and portability
- Empower parents and students
- Streamline programs
As a member of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, I am committed to making the proper investment in education while moving forward with reforming the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In doing so, it is imperative that the federal government works to provide flexibility, expand local control, allocate funding for what works, and increase options for students and parents.
Spending time with third graders at Rio Seco Elementary School
That is why in the 112th Congress, I authored the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act, which streamlines the charter school program and provides opportunities to expand and replicate successful schools with added emphasis on accountability. This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House.
I also recognize the importance of ensuring our children receive a quality and well-rounded education. At the same time, I believe it's necessary that we revaluate the federal footprint on education, promote better data collection, and encourage states and local school districts to make the decisions that impact child development.
To prevent financially burdensome out-of-state tuition costs for active duty military personnel and veterans, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 357, the G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013. This bill would alleviate an unnecessary hardship on our veterans by requiring public higher education institutions to charge in-state rates.
Eliminating unnecessary regulation is critical, especially for our military personnel seeking higher education. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 331, which would recognize such multi-college community colleges as one institution, and remove a time-consuming burden for veterans to complete numerous school applications for colleges within one community college district. This bill is endorsed by the Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District and the Riverside Community College District.
What are your thoughts on education?
Are you a student, parent or teacher? I want to hear your thoughts on what improvements are needed for schools and our education system. Please click here and let me know.
Resources for you:
- Federal Student Aid provides thousands of college students with financial assistance. To learn more, visit my webpage, Student Financial Aid.
- Interested in applying to a military academy? I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of applicants to four of the five service academies. Visit my U.S. Service Academy Nominations page for more information.
- House Committee on Education and the Workforce, of which I am a member, is working on numerous issues to improve the quality of our nation’s education. Click here to access the Committee’s website.