Take a look at almost every public opinion poll that tracks the issue preferences of voters across the country and you will find education at or near the top of every list. Decreasing class sizes, improving teacher quality, and providing for poor and disadvantaged students are the priorities of the American public in this election year. Public opinion plays an important role in setting the legislative agenda and it follows that education is an extremely important issue for the men and women on Capitol Hill, as well as state legislatures throughout the country.
The past two weeks of policy making have been quite important for teachers. Veteran teachers, mid-career professionals contemplating career switches and soon-to-be college grads going into teaching can rest assured that the government is putting an extraordinary amount of emphasis on improving the quality of the teaching profession. From Washington, D.C. to California, legislation has been passed and proposed proving that our policy makers' priorities are focused on the right beneficiaries. Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or an independent, it would be difficult to argue with the claim that we must invest in our teachers. Education reform is futile if it does not encourage the recruitment and improve the quality of teachers -- the men and women who spend many hours daily providing our children with education, encouragement and confidence for success in the future.
Early last week, the Senate convened to consider the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), a bill originally introduced as an element of Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" plan. Today, the ESEA is a major piece of legislation that determines federal funding of K-12 education and defines the federal government's role in working with schools, school districts and states. Education's high ranking in surveys of voters' concerns has turned the typically bipartisan renewal of this bill into a public relations war between the parties. The perpetual importance of education reform in all elections means this congressional session is critical not only for the re-election hopes of individual senators but also for the presidential contenders.
Given the salience and electoral power of the education issue, the Republican-controlled congress is hoping to pass their version of the ESEA, which would give them the upper hand on the issue of education -- traditionally a trademark of the Democratic platform. However, legislation has been stalled because of the competing ideologies between Democrats and Republicans about what role the federal government should play in education. Moreover, discussion of the ESEA has been slowed because of gun control amendments attached to the bill, and because of a busy legislative calendar. Given all of these factors, some are doubtful that the ESEA will be reauthorized during this legislative session.
Nonetheless, despite partisan rancor and posturing, the Senate did approve a much-needed amendment to the ESEA that shows its commitment to teachers. The Teachers' Bill of Rights, offered by Senator Trent Lott (R-MI) and Judd Gregg (R-NH), passed by a vote of 97-0. Children with behavior problems routinely disrupt America's classrooms, and teachers are very reluctant to discipline these children for fear of being sued. This amendment provides teachers with liability protections and promises to improve the quality of the classroom atmosphere. Empowering teachers with the authority to control the classroom environment can ensure the best possible educational experience for students. Moreover, it shows teachers that the government is committed to enhancing the professionalism and respect that often eludes their careers.
Coming on the heels of this Senate amendment, Governor Gray Davis of California proposed a plan to free California teachers from the burdens of personal state income taxes. Indeed, in a state that has about 283,000 certified public school teachers, this is quite a remarkable legislative proposal. At the same time, it continues the general concern and priority given to improving teaching in American education. As Governor Davis said, "this is a simple declarative statement that above all else, teaching matters. This is the single most important profession to us in the Year 2000" (NYTimes 5/14/00). Moreover, Governor Davis has followed the lead of other governors to create financial incentives to attract and maintain qualified public school teachers.
It seems clear that Senators Lott and Gregg have taken the right initiative in working to successfully pass legislation to protect the American teacher. Now, one can only hope that the Senate works to pass the ESEA reauthorization this session. Moreover, state legislatures across the country should follow the lead of Governor Davis and promote the recruitment and quality of teachers.
