Straight Talk With Sam - IDEA Funding

Volume 4, Issue 39, September 27, 2004

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM
IDEA Funding

Nearly four years ago, I came to Congress determined to improve our education system. Education is not just about providing facts for memorization, it is about providing children-all children-with an opportunity to succeed.

That is why the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) is so critical for our children's education. Special education requires patience and dedication from teachers, children and parents. The last thing everyone involved needs to worry about is funding for this program.

I have made IDEA a priority in education. Since I came to Congress, funding for special education has increased 65% and we are providing a record amount of funding to the states. While we are certainly investing more in special education, the federal government must provide more funding for special education.

We are providing historic levels of IDEA funding, but special education goes beyond just providing funding. Paperwork is a major hassle for teachers and school administrators. The federal bureaucracy has never educated any child. Teachers should spend more time grading papers than filling them out as a prerequisite for teaching. It is exactly that kind of hassle our teachers should not have to worry about. If we want to attract and retain quality teachers, we should work to make their lives easier, not more difficult.

Our children's future success depends on their present development. IDEA can help children fulfill their dreams and I am proud to be one of its biggest supporters.