Improve Student Learning through Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is up for reauthorization this year.  NCTE is taking an active role in recommending changes in the law and you have the opportunity to join in that effort.

Please take a moment to write your Members of Congress asking them to ensure that two important definitions are included in the law:

1. a definition of literacy as comprehensive across the grade levels and subject areas and including writing as well as reading; and 
   
   
2. a definition of teacher effectiveness that supports teachers as professionals; defines important teacher practices; requires professional development that is job-embedded, ongoing, and high quality; and insists upon fair, full balanced assessments of teachers and their impact on student learning.

While you can send the model letter as is, we hope you will choose to modify it to include your personal educator story to highlight at least one of the aspects of the letter. The teacher expertise and commitment that you express in your letter could motivate your Members of Congress to seriously consider what you have said as they study and ultimately vote on ESEA reauthorization.

Thank you for your participation in this advocacy effort, one way that you partner with NCTE to improve educational policy in America.