Funding at Every Educational Level
Addressing Challenges of "No Child Left Behind"
Helping North Dakota's Rural Schools
Promoting Information Technology
Keeping Postsecondary Education Accessible
Learning Opportunities
Funding at Every Educational Level
Education funding is an important priority for Senator Conrad. He believes that in order to meet the challenges of a globally competitive society, America must ensure that her citizens have the opportunity to receive a quality education. He will work to ensure that the federal government is an effective partner in supporting education excellence by providing adequate resources to meet the requirements for elementary and secondary education. He will also continue his efforts to promote college affordability by supporting effective federal student aid programs.
In March 2011, Senator Conrad chaired a Senate Budget Committee hearing on the Administration's FY 2012 education budget, featuring testimony from U.S. Education Secretary Duncan. Video of the hearing and other materials can be found by clicking here.
Addressing Challenges of "No Child Left Behind"
Few federal education laws have had as dramatic an impact on North Dakota schools as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Enacted in 2002, NCLB amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and expanded its scope to set performance standards for students, school officials and educators. This was done to ensure that schools are staffed with highly qualified teachers and students are making academic progress.
Although the intent of the law is commendable, implementation of NCLB has posed many serious challenges, particularly for rural schools. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is due for Congressional reauthorization. This will be a valuable opportunity to evaluate the faults and achievements of NCLB and determine the future federal role in our schools. In preparation for ESEA reauthorization, Senator Conrad has corresponded with Education Secretary Arne Duncan to highlight concerns about one-size-fits-all solutions that do will not work for rural schools in North Dakota and outline the major challenges for our state. Copies of Senator Conrad's correspondence can be seen here and here.
As ESEA reauthorization negotiations move forward, Senator Conrad will continue to work with parents, teachers, administrators, and other education professionals throughout North Dakota to ensure the federal government is an effective partner in education. Click here to leave Senator Conrad a suggestion for improving our nation's elementary and secondary schools.
Helping North Dakota's Rural Schools
One of the most important education priorities for Senator Conrad is preserving the quality of education in North Dakota's rural schools. Of the 185 school districts in North Dakota, nearly 90% enroll 600 students or less. These districts understandably face unique challenges.
Senator Conrad responded to the concerns of rural educators by authoring legislation to create the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). This landmark, bipartisan legislation was enacted in 2002. Under the REAP program, many small, rural school districts are entitled to consolidate funding from certain federal education programs. Senator Conrad's legislation is critical to giving rural schools flexibility to use federal education funding wisely. The school districts are also eligible for grant assistance that may be used to improve student achievement or provide professional development for teachers.
In the 112th Congress, Senator Conrad re-introduced the REAP Reauthorization Act, which he initially introduced in 110th Congress. The changes included in this legislation will allow federal funds to be even more closely targeted to geographically isolated districts and allow more North Dakota schools to receive financial benefits from the program. Since 2002, North Dakota school districts have received nearly $7.5 million in funding under REAP, with 70 districts receiving awards in the 2010/2011 school year. Senator Conrad will continue to fight for adequate funding for this critical rural education program.
Promoting Information Technology
Senator Conrad recognizes the opportunities that technology and the digital age provide students in North Dakota. He is working to ensure that rural America has the same technological opportunities - especially with education and training - that are available to urban and suburban areas.
Senator Conrad has also consistently supported the "E-Rate" program, which provides discounts for schools and libraries to obtain affordable access to the Internet and other telecommunications capabilities. From the program's inception in 1998 through 2010, North Dakota schools and libraries have received $39.3 million, including $1.3 million in 2010.
Keeping Postsecondary Education Accessible
It is especially important to Senator Conrad that all students, regardless of economic circumstances, have the opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education. North Dakota has nearly 50,000 students attending the 22 public and private degree-granting postsecondary education institutions in the state. Nearly 12,000 of these students receive Pell Grants, and thousands more participate in federal student aid programs.
Senator Conrad is very concerned about the debt that many students carry following graduation. He has consistently supported initiatives to improve the Pell Grant, along with other federal financial aid incentives, to help reduce this financial burden and make college affordable for every eligible student.
Senator Conrad supported passage of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to reform federal student lending programs and improve higher education affordability. This bill raises the maximum Pell Grant to $5,550 in 2010 and incrementally to $5,975 by 2017. Starting in 2013, the grant will be linked to the Consumer Price Index to account for the rising costs of living. Additionally, this bill expanded the Income-Based Repayment program to cap student loan payments for new borrowers at 10 percent of discretionary income, starting with new loans in 2014, rather than the current 15 percent cap, and forgive student loan balances after 20 years of repayment, rather than the 25 years currently allowed.
If you wish to learn more about options for financing higher education, click here to view the financial aid for students webpage. You may also wish to consult the Department of Education's online Federal Student Aid resource center, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Learning Opportunities
As part of Senator Conrad's continuing effort to make certain that student concerns are addressed, he meets regularly with students in both North Dakota and in his Washington office. Many of these students participate in Close Up, Presidential Classroom, and the Congressional Youth Leadership Program. Senator Conrad places great value on these meetings. In fact, a number of young North Dakotans have visited Washington through these programs and have returned to serve in internships in Senator Conrad's office in Washington, DC. He also offers internship opportunities in his state offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. |
