[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 48 (Monday, April 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3660-S3661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GORTON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2646

 Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, I rise to explain my support of 
Senator Gorton's amendment to the Coverdell A+ Accounts legislation. I 
was pleased to support the Gorton amendment because it returns the 
decision making authority over our children's education to parents, 
teachers, and locally elected school boards. After more than 30 years 
of top down control, it is clear that the hundreds of federal education 
programs and one size fits all policies from Washington, D.C. are not 
working.

[[Page S3661]]

  The Gorton Amendment allows each state to choose from one of three 
options: to have federal funds sent directly to local school districts 
minus federal regulations; to have funds sent to the state education 
authority without federal regulations; or to continue to receive 
federal funds under the current system of categorical programs. Any 
changes to the current system are not mandated by the federal 
government--but are left to the discretion of the states.
  I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to send money directly to 
local school districts free from the excessive mandates and regulations 
imposed on our schools from the Department of Education. I want it 
clearly understood, though, that this does not affect my support for 
the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I support the 
National Board and support further funding for its initiatives.
  The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) seeks 
to establish high and rigorous standards for teachers. It is leading 
the way in making teaching a profession dedicated to student learning 
and to upholding high standards for professional performance. Teachers 
are role models for our students and our communities. Interestingly 
enough, they are the ones leading the way in establishing and 
implementing the National Board certification.
  I fully support the National Board for Professional Teaching 
Standards and hope that this body will support it for the sake of our 
young people. It is children in their care that are the beneficiaries 
of teacher improvement.

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