U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds bipartisan efforts in Congress to reform education across America and revise the highly controversial Common Core principles that have emerged from the No Child Left Behind Act. On Wednesday evening, the House took final action to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177) in an effort to give each state more flexibility and discretion in accountability, goal setting and intervention for low-performing students. 

"Students, parents, teachers and administrators need flexibility to forge a new path for success in our schools," said Rogers. "Educators in Kentucky know far more about what our students need, than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. This plan essentially kicks the federal government out of local classrooms and allows Kentucky, like all other states under this plan, to opt out of unsuccessful programs, implement improvements catered to state and local needs, and enhance funding opportunities. We finally have a plan truly designed for every student to succeed." 

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) prohibits the Secretary of Education from forcing, incentivizing, or coercing states to adopt Common Core and restores authority to the states. The bill reduces waste and authorizes a block grant from existing funding to give states and school districts more discretion with federal funds.

With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, the ESSA has gained favorable reviews from the National Governors Association, American Association of School Administrators, Council of Chief State School Officers, National PTA, National Assocation of Federal Impacted Schools, Council for Amercian Private Education and others. 

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter, Instagram or on Facebook.