Helping Alaska Students Succeed

Senator Begich believes our schools must provide Alaska’s children the education necessary to become leaders and highly skilled workers ready to compete in the Alaska and global economy.  To help achieve this important goal, he is focusing on fixing No Child Left Behind and preparing students for success with strong early childhood and career-ready programs.

Education Reform that Works for Alaska

Much of the current law, known as No Child Left Behind, is a poor fit for Alaska.  In too many cases it has tied teachers’ and administrators’ hands and punished schools when they needed help the most.  While Senator Begich will always support accountability and high expectations for each student, we need reform that restores local control and fosters innovation to prepare students for success in all Alaska schools.  

Overhaul No Child Left Behind

Senator Begich is committed to working with his colleagues to overhaul the flawed No Child Left Behind law, formally known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  Legislation is needed that recognizes the challenges of Alaska’s unique geography, weather, culture, language and workforce needs.  With some common sense combined with the goal of giving more control over education policy to local districts and states, Sen. Begich believes we will once again produce the most qualified graduates in the world.

To see the senator’s specific suggestions for the reform bill, read his memo to Senator Tom Harkin, chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Realistic, consistent and adequate funding

The brightest new ideas and best innovations are only as good as our commitment to full and adequate funding of our Nation’s education system.  All of the work to update and improve No Child Left Behind will only be effective if Congress commits the resources necessary to give students, teachers and principals the tools they need to succeed.  The senator works to secure these resources in all of his legislative efforts. 

Support Programs for Alaska Natives and Other Indigenous Americans

In Alaska, funding through the Alaska Native Education Program has fostered locally-designed, community-based initiatives to prepare youth for improved learning.  This is especially important to allow the innovation and flexibility needed in our smallest and most remote schools.  In overhauling No Child Left Behind, Senator Begich works to strengthen this program and also make other funding streams more accessible to tribes and organizations working to improve educational outcomes for America’s first peoples.

Expanded support for teachers in underserved areas

Senator Begich knows experienced, committed and creative teachers make a tremendous difference in our children’s learning.  Unfortunately, there are many challenges in attracting and retaining quality teachers for rural Alaska.  Turnover in rural areas is double than in urban Alaska.  The State of Alaska and local school districts play the largest role in attracting and keeping quality teachers, but the senator realizes reauthorization of No Child Left Behind must support creative approaches that expand support for teachers in underserved areas.  There must be greater emphasis on recruiting and training homegrown teachers, and new support to improve teacher living conditions in rural areas.

To address the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in Alaska, Senator Begich introduced the Rural Educator and American Community Housing Act.  This bill will provide $50 million to build housing and improve living arrangements for educators in rural communities.  Read our fact sheet here.

Strong Early Childhood Programs

Research confirms what common sense has told us for generations; there are enormous benefits to students and society when students arrive in kindergarten ready to learn.  As a parent the senator understands how difficult it can be to raise a child.  Senator Begich is encouraged to see communities in Alaska coming together to meet the needs of the youngest in our families.  He realizes more needs to be done and has introduced several bills to improve early education programs.

Early Childhood Education Legislation

Senator Begich has introduced three bills designed to provide more access to quality child care for working families and supporting the professional educators who work in early childhood.

PRE ED Act, S. 2181 - Creates a new student loan forgiveness program for graduates of associate’s or bachelor’s programs in early education.  It provides needed relief for early educators and encourages people to work with kids through age five. Link to legislation.

Tax Credit for Early Educators Act - Increases the child care tax credit so more parents can afford to put their children in quality, early child development programs. Link to legislation.

The Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act - Uses grant incentives to help small and medium companies establish onsite or near-site childcare programs. Link to legislation.