Education

Parents and families should play the primary role in a child's education. Without support at home, efforts in the classroom will fall short of providing students with the best possible chance to succeed.

States and local school boards, working closely with parents, should shape and lead education policy.  The federal government's one-size-fits-all approach to education does not serve the best interests of students or prepare them adequately for the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

An approach that welcomes parental involvement and emphasizes local control of schools is the foundation of a strong American education policy; one that recognizes the uniqueness of every child and gives them the ability to fully develop his or her God-given potential.

In Congress, I continue to work for education policies that allow parents choices and encourage participation in their child's education. Education begins at home, continues in the classroom, and extends throughout life. Children and adults must be given the tools to achieve their educational goals.

This year, I formed a new Higher Education Advisory Council to help represent the needs and priorities of students and families who pursue their education beyond high school; particularly at the seven outstanding community colleges that serve the seven-county region of Illinois' 14th Congressional District.