HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES BILL TO REAUTHORIZE ESEA 

We are happy to report that last evening The House of Representatives passed The Student Success Act (HR 5), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  The final vote was 218-213.  We want to thank everyone who circulated and responded to our CE News Action Alert.  The vote was a close one and your participation made a difference!

As you know, following the passage of NCLB, there has been significant erosion of the equitable share of services and benefits to which our schools are entitled and that Congress intended.  HR 5 includes provisions that correct those inequities and greatly improves the conditions related to services for students and teachers in private schools. 

The Senate continues to debate its version of ESEA reauthorization--The Every Child Achieves Act (S. 1177).  Ongoing debate on amendments to the Senate bill is expected to continue into next week with a final vote on bill passage possible as early as Tuesday.  We expect a narrow window between the end of Senate debate on amendments and a final vote on the bill.  Look out for the next Action Alert for the Senate vote and please keep this process and our legislators in your prayers.