WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) called for more accountability and flexibility in education at a hearing regarding the Administration’s blueprint for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

Senator Roberts addressed U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan at today’s Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing regarding the renewal of ESEA. Roberts called for more accountability and more flexibility especially in regard to teacher qualifications.

“As we begin to discuss reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act,” Senator Roberts said, “We can all agree that schools have a duty to ensure that our children are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful adult. We must work to ensure that states and school districts have the flexibility to improve student achievement and make needed reforms, but we must also ensure accountability. Kansas teachers, administrators, and parents have all communicated the need for more flexibility in our current education system.

“In addition, we must be cognizant of the challenges faced by our rural school districts. I applaud the Administration’s support for continuing grant funding for rural education. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that our children receive the best education possible.”

Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate HELP Committee which has jurisdiction over renewing the ESEA.

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