ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Jan. 12, 2015) — The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Otha Thornton:

“This morning, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called for comprehensive reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure the law protects the rights of all students and prepares every child for long-term success. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the law.

“The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB), is the primary law governing the federal role in education. In his speech, Secretary Duncan called for Congress to replace the current law with a version that:

• Prepares children for college and careers;
• Ensures equity and opportunity for every child;
• Provides teachers with better preparation, better support and more resources;
• Improves access to high-quality preschool; and
• Ensures that funds are distributed among schools so that all students have access to excellent teaching and resources for learning.

“Since 2007, families, students and educators have called on Congress to act on comprehensive reauthorization of the ESEA/NCLB. National PTA advocates for specific improvements to the law that prioritize family engagement and address the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable children. The association believes bipartisan legislative action is critical to provide support and resources to states and schools to improve family engagement, student achievement and school performance.

“Reauthorization of the ESEA/NCLB has long been a key public policy priority of National PTA. The association urges Congress to take swift action to address needed changes to the law to improve education for all students and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.