New K-12 Education Package Would Better Support Students, Families, Teachers

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) cosponsored the introduction of the Transforming Education for the Future Act, a comprehensive legislative package authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to modernize and strengthen K-12 education to help our kids have a brighter future. The American education system has experienced significant turbulence during the past decade, including the Trump administration’s mismanagement and dismantling of the Department of Education, learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased use of technology and social media, the rise of generative AI, increased teacher burnout, and the reduction of federal support for public schools. The Transforming Education for the Future Act will help address these critical issues and more. “We have a fundamental responsibility to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education,” said DelBene . “From funding rollbacks to learning setbacks, our public schools are facing tighter budgets and increased challenges. This bill contains several meaningful reforms to strengthen public education, including restoring and increasing funding, expanding school meal programs, and implementing universal preschool. I thank Rep. Bonamici for her leadership in modernizing public education and making a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.” “For decades, public schools have been asked to do more with less. Add to that the fact that we have seen many new and complicated challenges over the past ten years,” said Bonamici . “Circumstances have changed, but the American system of public education has not yet adapted. We need a public education system that meets the moment for today’s students and tomorrow’s. We need an education system that prepares students not to pass a test, but to think critically and build a future. We need to support the educators who make that possible. And we need to remove those barriers that stand between children and opportunity. The Transforming Education for the Future Act is a blueprint for doing just that.” The Transforming Education for the Future Act will: Provide a Well-Rounded Education for All Students Make school breakfasts and lunches free for all children, provide summer meals and summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), and streamline and expand the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Establish free, universal preschool for all three- and four-year-old children. Expand access to career and technical education, arts, civics, humanities, and more. Reduce state and federal reliance on standardized test scores and expand the use of multiple high-quality measures to capture a more accurate picture of student achievement. Repeal the federal school voucher program. Restore funding and staff to the Department of Education. Support Educators Strengthen the educator pipeline through historic investments in educator pay, improved working conditions, and ample resources for educators and staff. Fund high-quality education research and promote transformational, evidence-based practices for student success and well-being. Address Socioeconomic Barriers to Learning Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so children with disabilities get the free and appropriate public education and services they need. Triple funding for Title I to better serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the schools that educate them. Address discrimination and bias in K-12 schools, uphold civil rights, and address racial segregation. This legislation is endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Psychological Association (APA), Glisten, National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Principals Association, National PTA, and the School Social Work Association of America. A summary of the legislation can be found here . The full text of the legislation can be found here .