Straight Talk with Sam: LIDEA Funding

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM
Volume 5, Issue 17
LIDEA Funding
April 25, 2005

The idea behind No Child Left Behind was that the every child has a right to an education. Education though isn't just about memorizing facts. Education is about giving every child a chance to reach their own potential.

I believe all children can learn and that we should help teachers accomplish that goal. Every child though has different needs and different abilities. That is why the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is so critical for our children's education.

I have made IDEA a priority for education. Special education requires patience and dedication from teachers, children and parents. The last thing they should worry about is funding. That is why since I have come to Congress we have increased funding for the IDEA program by 58 percent.

While we are providing historic levels of IDEA funding, special education is much more than that. Paperwork is a major hassle for teachers and school administrators. Filing out paperwork has absolutely no hand in helping any child learn.

A teacher's time is much better spent grading papers, rather than filing them out. It is exactly the 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.

Preparing every child for their future is a noble goal. Their future success depends on their present development. IDEA can help child fulfill their dreams and I am proud to be one of its biggest supporters.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue17.htm