[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24603-24605]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING ALDINE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR WINNING THE BROAD PRIZE FOR 
                            URBAN EDUCATION

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 791) congratulating the Aldine Independent School 
District in Harris County, Texas, on winning the 2009 ``Broad Prize for 
Urban Education'', as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 791

       Whereas the thousands of employees of the Aldine 
     Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, work 
     hard to create a supportive, safe, and effective learning 
     environment, enabling students to achieve academic success;
       Whereas the Aldine Independent School District uses a 
     district-wide strategic plan, which is focused on student 
     achievement, student behavior, and community relations;
       Whereas the leadership of the Aldine Independent School 
     District is vigilant in ensuring that all staff, departments, 
     schools, and resources continue to focus on the district-wide 
     strategic plan;
       Whereas the Aldine Independent School District, through the 
     use of creative teaching technology, has set clear, rigorous 
     expectations for teachers and has provided school management 
     with increased oversight;
       Whereas data from the Texas Education Agency indicates that 
     the Aldine Independent School District consistently ranks 
     among the high performing school districts in the State;
       Whereas the Aldine Independent School District ranks among 
     the top large school districts in Texas for educating 
     African-American students and Hispanic students, according to 
     a recent study conducted by Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 
     University and the University of Texas-Pan American;
       Whereas between 2005 and 2008, the SAT and Advanced 
     Placement participation rates for African-American and 
     Hispanic students in the Aldine Independent School District 
     increased significantly;
       Whereas in 2008, African-American students in the Aldine 
     Independent School District achieved higher proficiency rates 
     in math at all school levels and in reading at the middle and 
     high school levels compared with other students in Texas;
       Whereas in 2008, a greater percentage of Hispanic students 
     in the Aldine Independent School District performed at the 
     highest achievement level on State reading and math 
     assessments at all school levels compared to other school 
     districts in the State;
       Whereas in 2008, a greater percentage of low-income 
     students in the Aldine Independent School District performed 
     at the highest achievement level on State reading and math 
     assessments at all school levels compared to other school 
     districts in the State;
       Whereas nationwide, family income level is typically a 
     strong statistical predictor of school performance;
       Whereas in the Aldine Independent School District, poverty 
     does not appear to be statistically related to achievement at 
     any school level or in math or reading, despite a high 
     enrollment of students considered to be low-income;
       Whereas between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine Independent 
     School District narrowed the income achievement gaps in 
     reading at all school levels and in math at the elementary 
     and middle school levels;
       Whereas the ``Broad Prize for Urban Education'', the 
     largest education award for school districts in the United 
     States, was established in 2002 by the Eli and Edythe Broad 
     Foundation;
       Whereas the Aldine Independent School District has been a 
     finalist four times for the ``Broad Prize for Urban 
     Education'';
       Whereas in 2008, the Aldine Independent School District 
     outperformed other Texas school districts that serve students 
     with similar family incomes in reading and math at all school 
     levels, according to the Broad Prize methodology; and
       Whereas the Aldine Independent School District was selected 
     from among 100 of the largest school districts in the country 
     to win the 2009 ``Broad Prize for Urban Education'': Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the Aldine Independent School District in 
     Harris County, Texas, for the outstanding achievement of 
     winning the 2009 ``Broad Prize for Urban Education'', the 
     largest education award for school districts in the United 
     States; and
       (2) congratulates the entire Aldine Independent School 
     District community on the hard work and dedication the 
     community has demonstrated toward student achievement, 
     particularly the efforts of the community toward reducing the 
     achievement gaps among ethnic groups and between high- and 
     low-income students.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from the 
Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) and the gentleman from Kentucky 
(Mr. Guthrie) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Resolution 791 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 791, which 
recognizes and congratulates the Aldine Independent School District in 
Harris County, Texas, for winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban 
Education.
  Aldine's commitment to academic achievement, its high expectations 
for its students, and its dedication to narrowing the racial and income 
achievement gaps make it a most deserving recipient of this prestigious 
award.
  Established in 2002 by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Broad 
Prize for Urban Education is the largest education award for school 
districts in the United States.
  After finishing as a finalist for the prize 3 years previously, the 
Aldine Independent School District this year was chosen from among 100 
of the largest school districts in the country to receive the $1 
million award. The Aldine School District has shown some of the most 
consistent student achievement gains nationally in the last decade.
  Nationwide, family income levels generally are a strong indicator of 
students' school performance, but the Aldine School District, where 
four out of five students receive free or reduced lunch, refuses to 
accept excuses for student success and chooses instead to break the 
predictive power of poverty.
  Between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine Independent School District 
narrowed achievement gaps in reading at all school levels and in math 
at the elementary and middle school levels. In 2008, students in the 
Aldine schools outperformed other Texas school districts that served 
students with similar family incomes.
  The Aldine Independent School District also ranks among the top large 
school districts in Texas for educating

[[Page 24604]]

African American and Hispanic students. Between 2005 and 2008, SAT and 
Advanced Placement participation rates for these student populations 
increased significantly. Further, African American students achieved 
higher proficiency rates in math at all school levels and in reading at 
the middle and high school levels compared with other students in 
Texas. And a greater percentage of Hispanic students performed at the 
highest level on reading and math assessments at all school levels 
compared to other school districts.
  Providing our young people with a high quality education is one of 
our Nation's most important duties and involves some of the most 
challenging and rewarding work. Today, we recognize the outstanding 
work being done at the Aldine Independent School District. Aldine's 
dedicated leadership and vigilant efforts are helping ensure the 
academic and life success of its students.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for congratulating the 
Aldine Independent School District on winning the 2009 Broad Prize for 
Urban Education, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 791, 
congratulating the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, 
Texas, on winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education.
  Few goals could be more important to American public education today 
than closing the achievement gaps among students by race, income, 
language, and gender. The goal is particularly critical for the 
Nation's urban public schools. The achievement gap is the difference in 
performance between groups of students, especially groups defined by 
race/ethnicity and family income.
  Although bringing about comprehensive change in our educational 
system may be difficult, the Aldine Independent School District 
teachers and staff have worked hard to create a supportive, safe, and 
effective learning environment which has enabled students to achieve 
academic success.
  The Aldine Independent School District ranks among the highest 
performing school districts in the State of Texas. In addition, it is 
one of the top large school districts in the State for African American 
and Hispanic students. Between 2005 and 2008, the SAT and Advanced 
Placement participation rates for these groups increased significantly. 
In 2008, African American students achieved higher proficiency rates in 
math at all school levels, and in reading at the middle school and high 
school levels. And Hispanic students performed at the highest 
achievement level on reading and math assessments compared to other 
school districts in the State.
  It is clear that the Aldine Independent School District is a shining 
example of what is right about urban education. As a result, the school 
district was awarded the $2 million Broad Prize for Urban Education 
this year.
  Established in 2002 by the Broad Foundation, the Broad Prize is the 
largest education award in the country given to school districts. The 
prize is awarded each year to honor urban school districts that 
demonstrate the greatest overall performance and improvement in student 
achievement while reducing achievement gaps among low-income and 
minority students.
  I would like to congratulate Superintendent Wanda Bamberg and all of 
the principals, teachers, staff and students for all of their hard work 
which made this award possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues for support, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the distinguished 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green) for 2 minutes.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in 
strong support of House Resolution 791, which congratulates the Aldine 
Independent School District in Houston, Harris Country, Texas, on 
winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education.
  It is pronounced Aldine, but there is a good joke about when the 
railroad ran through 50 years ago, that was where they stopped for 
lunch. So that is how we got our name, ``all dine,'' but it is 
pronounced Aldine.
  Established in 2002 by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Broad 
Prize is actually the largest education award in the country given to 
any school district. The Broad Prize for Urban Education is awarded to 
honor urban school districts that demonstrate the greatest overall 
performance and improvement in student achievement while reducing the 
achievement gaps among low-income and minority students.
  This year, the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, 
Texas, was selected from among 100 of the largest school districts in 
the United States to win this prestigious award. This is not 
surprising, knowing firsthand the extent to which every staff member 
and teacher in the Aldine Independent School District is dedicated to 
increasing student achievement and ensuring that every student has the 
tools he or she needs to thrive and be a critical thinker, problem 
solver, and a productive citizen.
  My wife taught high school algebra in the Aldine Independent School 
District for many years where our children attended and graduated, and 
I am proud to represent the Aldine ISD in Congress.
  Quality education has been the goal of Aldine for many years, and 
their current superintendent, Wanda Bamberg, carries on the tradition 
of expecting excellence, as Nadine Kujawa and Sonny Donaldson did 
before her.
  With the Broad Prize award, graduating high school seniors in the 
Aldine Independent School District who have demonstrated a record of 
academic improvement during their high school careers and have 
significant financial need will be directly awarded $1 million in Broad 
Prize scholarships to continue their education.
  This is the fourth time Aldine has been selected as a finalist for 
this prestigious award, and it is no surprise given the district's 
focus on their five core commitments:
  They believe each student can learn at or above grade level and will 
have equal opportunity to do so.
  They believe their school district can achieve higher levels of 
performance through clearly defined goals that set high exceptions for 
student achievement.
  They believe in the value of parents as the first and best teachers, 
and that the community must actively participate in the development of 
all children.
  They believe in the value of each employee, in his or her personal 
and professional growth, and in empowering each one to be accountable 
to make decisions in line with the vision of the school district.
  They believe all environments should be supportive, safe and secure.
  By winning this award, they have proven their commitment to these 
five goals, and I have no doubt that Aldine ISD will continue to be a 
leader in education for years to come.
  This resolution recognizes the Aldine Independent School District for 
their outstanding achievement in winning the largest education award 
for school districts in the United States, the 2009 Broad Prize for 
Education.
  Again, congratulations to the entire Aldine Independent School 
District community for their hard work and dedication toward student 
achievement, and particularly their efforts in reducing the achievement 
gaps among low-income and minority students. The school board members, 
administrative staff, teachers, parents, and children worked hard to 
earn this recognition, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support the 
bill.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Poe) as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I want to thank the gentleman for yielding, and I 
want to thank my friend, Mr. Green, for introducing this legislation. 
He and I buttress congressional districts in the Houston, Harris County 
area, and some

[[Page 24605]]

of the schools in the Aldine Independent School District are in my 
district as well.
  The Broad Prize for Urban Education, established in 2002, is the 
largest education award in the country given to school districts. 
Aldine was chosen to receive this award from 100 of the largest school 
districts in all of the United States. And that allows seniors from the 
Aldine School District to be eligible for 2- to 4-year scholarships up 
to $20,000 due to this award that is going to the school district.
  The Aldine School District consistently ranks among the highest 
performing school districts in the whole State of Texas according to 
the Texas Education Agency. And the Aldine School District has been a 
finalist four times for the Broad Prize for Urban Education.
  Between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine Independent School District 
narrowed the income achievement gap in reading at all levels, and in 
math at the elementary and middle school levels. This school district 
has done a tremendous job with the students, working with the teachers 
and the administration to bring up the education quality of the 
students and prepare them for lifetime experiences.

                              {time}  1500

  So I want to congratulate the Aldine School District and all of their 
work. This award is well deserved, and it is my hope that all school 
districts across Texas and the United States can mirror the success of 
this school district in achieving high academic quality throughout 
their school districts.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 791, congratulating the Aldine Independent School District in 
Harris County, Texas, on winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban 
Education. I am proud to support this resolution because the Broad 
Prize for Urban Education reflects the hard work and outstanding effort 
that the Aldine Independent School District, Aldine ISD, has exerted to 
improve overall performance and reduce achievement gaps among low-
income and minority students.
  The honor bestowed upon Aldine ISD is a beacon of hope for improving 
public education in Texas and the United States. With over 61,000 
students enrolled, Aldine ISD is one of the largest local education 
agencies in my congressional district and nearly 80 percent of those 
students qualify for free and reduced lunches. Providing a quality 
education to such a large number of students, especially students with 
diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, poses challenges for school 
districts across the United States.
  Aldine ISD's receipt of the Broad Prize for Urban Education is a 
testament to the hard work of parents, teachers, and students as well 
as the steady leadership of the district administration. Aldine ISD 
uses a district-wide plan focused on student achievement, student 
behavior, and community relations. The district administration uses 
that district-wide plan to ensure that its schools provide a 
supportive, safe, and--most importantly--effective learning 
environment. The district has succeeded in communicating clear 
expectations of academic excellence to teachers and increasing school 
administrators' oversight of student success.
  Aldine ISD's model has produced incredible results. The school 
district regularly ranks as one of the top performers of all districts 
in the State of Texas. Studies by Texas A&M University and the 
University of Texas--Pan American showed that Aldine ISD ranks as one 
of the best school districts for educating African-American and 
Hispanic students in Texas. In 2008, African-American students in 
Aldine ISD achieved higher proficiency rates in math at all school 
levels and in reading at the middle and high school levels than their 
counterparts across the State. In 2008, Hispanic and low-income 
students in Aldine ISD performed the best in State reading and math 
assessments relative to similar Texas school districts.
  A crucial product of Aldine ISD's success is the narrowing of 
achievement gaps. Math achievement gaps at all income levels were among 
the smallest in the State and between 2005 and 2008 Aldine ISD narrowed 
the highest percentage of African-American achievement gaps. Not only 
is Aldine ISD closing the achievement gap but also it is preparing 
increasing numbers of students for higher education. From 2005 to 2008 
African-American and Hispanic student participation in SAT and Advanced 
Placement rose.
  By these measurements, Aldine ISD clearly deserves the Broad Prize 
for Urban Education. The award is given to large urban school districts 
that show solid school achievement and demonstrate distinct gains made 
in narrowing achievement gaps. I am proud of the hard work that Aldine 
ISD has done to earn this award and I am thankful to the Eli and Edythe 
Broad Foundation for recognizing their efforts.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support H. 
Res. 791.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 791, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________