Federal funds should better students

To the editor:

When schools receive funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the funds should be used to improve student achievement and help close the achievement gap. In particular, citizens and parents should closely monitor the use of funds so that the intent of the federal law is met. Our students deserve no less.

The law requires progress on four reforms previously authorized under the bipartisan Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the America Competes Act of 2007:

1. Making progress toward rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities;

2. Establishing pre-K-to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;

3. Making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students, particularly students who are most in need;

4. Providing intensive support and effective interventions for the lowest-performing schools.

In order to receive ARRA funds, state governors were required to assure the federal government that they would take action and make progress using these funds for:

• adopting internationally benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace;

• recruiting, developing and retaining effective teachers and principals;

• building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve their practices; and,

• turning around the lowest performing schools.

Again, I strongly urge all residents to monitor how these funds are being used in our Valley and around the state.

Bob Doyle

Wasilla