NEA's Message to Members of Congress
on Reauthorization of ESEA

March 21, 2007

1. Use  more than test scores to measure student learning and school performance.

• Include multiple measures of student learning and school effectiveness instead of the current one-day snapshot based solely on standardized tests.
• Reward progress over time to improve student achievement at all levels.
• Recognize individual needs of students (Special education; ELL).

2. Reduce class size to help students learn.

• Restore the class size reduction program.

3. Increase the number of highly qualified teachers in our schools.

• Provide financial incentives to teachers who teach in hard-to-staff schools.
• Allow teachers who have achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to be deemed "highly qualified."
• Provide flexibility for teachers of multiple subjects, including special education and rural educators.

Related link:

NEA's comprehensive Positive Agenda for ESEA Reauthorization.