Elementary and Secondary Education ACT (ESEA) and Individuals

Adopted

WHEREAS, the NAACP reaffirms its commitment to advocate for a complete revision of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (most recently named NCLB) to include redefining the accountability process, and demanding 100% of the Title One Funding to low-performing school districts to offer dual language programs and additional professional development for teachers; and 

WHEREAS, the ESEA is again being considered for revision; and 

WHEREAS, the NAACP reaffirms its commitment to work for the responsible implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which is also being considered for revision; and 

WHEREAS, consideration of the two bills at the same time has the potential for major impact on disadvantaged students and students of color, who are disproportionately represented among special needs populations; and 

WHEREAS, the ESEA specifically speaks to the importance of parental involvement and involvement of communities. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP will take all appropriate action to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm to students of color, special needs students and the disadvantaged issuing from the reauthorization of these and other laws affecting needy students; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP pledges to work closely with allies to be intimately involved in the reauthorization efforts referenced above, and to advocate for reforms that result in fairer discipline processes, maximum access to high quality teaching, learning opportunities and equitable funding.