ASCD Unveils 2010 Leg. Agenda, Responds to White House ESEA Blueprint

The Obama administration’s blueprint for revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was released a little over a week ago to mixed reactions. Many education groups expressed support for the measures outlined in the blueprint, but others, including the big teacher unions, took issue with the plan’s approach to ensuring educator effectiveness.

ASCD stands in support of the key components of the blueprint, which align with the association’s 2010 Legislative Agenda (unveiled earlier this month at ASCD's Annual Conference) and our Whole Child Initiative.

In this month’s Is It Good for the Kids? column, ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter writes, "The education leaders from across the country who developed ASCD's 2010 Legislative Agenda believe that it's time for federal education policy to support a whole child approach, helping to ensure that all children are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged."

ASCD educators believe the blueprint represents a good first step from the federal government in supporting this type of whole child approach. Adds Carter, "We are especially encouraged by the administration's emphasis on effective teachers and leaders for every classroom and school; a complete education that prepares students for postsecondary success; and services and supports that lead to successful, safe, and healthy students."

What do you think about ASCD's legislative agenda? Do you agree that the White House’s blueprint signals support of a whole child approach to learning and teaching?