Lobbying Congress, July 10-12

[Peter Farruggio <pfarr@cal.berkeley.edu>]

James Crawford is the founder of the Institute for Language and 
Education Policy

http://www.elladvocates.org/



> From: James Crawford <jwcrawford@COMPUSERVE.COM>
>
>
> Some Institute members have been discussing a concerted attempt to 
> meet with members of Congress (and/or their education staffers) the 
> second week of July here in Washington to discuss NCLB 
> reauthorization. Likely days would be Tuesday through Thursday, July 
> 10-12. If you are interested in participating, please let me know.
>
> Things appear to be moving on a fast track in the House Education 
> and Labor Committee, which could well "mark up" -- i.e., consider 
> amendments and vote on -- a Democratic proposal for reauthorization 
> that week or shortly thereafter. Chairman George Miller is 
> reportedly eager to move quickly before staunch opponents of NCLB 
> can get their act together. For the past few weeks his staff has 
> been working on a proposal, yet to be unveiled, but we're likely to 
> see something soon.
>
> From what I hear, many changes are under consideration -- growth 
> models, safe harbor provisions, added funding for developing better 
> ELL assessments, etc. -- but it's unlikely Miller will propose any 
> fundamental changes in the test-and-punish approach to 
> accountability. The law is quite unpopular with some Democrats, 
> including House freshmen (and -women) who attacked NCLB in their 
> electoral campaigns. But they need plenty of encouragement to go up 
> against a powerful member like Miller.
>
> Meanwhile, numerous conservative Republicans are pushing to 
> dismantle NCLB and give states education funds with few strings 
> attached. But others, led by the ranking Republican on Ed & Labor, 
> Buck McKeon of California, are siding with the Bush administration's 
> stay-the-course position.
>
> On the Senate side, things are moving somewhat slower, although 
> Chairman Kennedy (HELP Committee) seems to have the same general 
> orientation as Miller at this point. Democratic critics seem a bit 
> more organized in the Senate. Just today Sen. Russ Feingold of 
> Wisconsin and five others wrote to Secretary Spellings calling for 
> fundamental changes in "the unworkable aspects of NCLB, particularly 
> the rigid, yearly testing requirements and the punitive sanctions 
> structure." I've posted their excellent letter at: 
> http://www.elladvocates.org/documents/nclb/Feingold_Letter_June_07.pdf
>
> In any case, this would be an excellent time to meet with members of 
> Congress, whether or not they are on the education committees.
>
> Unfortunately, the Institute has limited resources -- i.e., no 
> travel money. But if you can join us in DC, I'll try to make your 
> stay enjoyable and productive. If not, I'd encourage you to meet 
> with your representatives back home during their next two holidays 
> (July 2-6 and August 6-September 3).
>
> Again, I look forward to hearing from anyone who's available to 
> participate in our lobby week. Thanks.
>
> Jim Crawford