ENZI TO DISCUSS NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND EXTENSION WITH PRESIDENT BUSH, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TODAY

ENZI TO DISCUSS NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND EXTENSION WITH PRESIDENT BUSH, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TODAY Washington, D.C. – On the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, said he looks forward to meeting with President Bush and Congressional leaders today to lay plans for a reauthorization of the landmark bill to help “better prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.” “Renewal of No Child Left Behind and important elementary and secondary school programs like Safe and Drug Free Schools represents a test the 110th Congress must pass, and it is key to helping our nation meet the growing challenge of global competition. We’re committed to working together and earning high marks on this critical assignment.” “In five years under NCLB, we have seen major improvements in student achievement all across America, but there is still work to be done to ensure that the Department of Education, the states and local communities are able to work together and continue to focus on the needs of students.” Enzi said he plans to work with the Bush administration and his colleagues in Congress under the following guiding principles during the reauthorization process: • Every child performing at grade level by 2014; • Rewards for Progress and Flexibilty for innovation; • Challenging students and preparing them to succeed; • Helping teachers close the achievment gap; and, • Strengthening public schools and empowering parents. ####