Reply #183: Thank you, Name Removed,

[LWolf]

for kicking the best candidate thread on DU. The one about a candidate's record, platform, and take on the issues. Dennis' site reads like an encyclopedia of issues and how to approach them to benefit America. Here's more on one of my personal issues:

http://www.kucinich.us/statements.htm#120303

12/3/03
Kucinich on Failure of No Child Left Behind Act

"Today’s news report highlighting the failures of the Houston school system is an ominous warning of the failure of the 'No Child Left Behind' Act promoted by this Administration. The 'No Child Left Behind' Act is based on the Houston program and is bound for the same problems unless immediate action is taken to reform education in this country.

"This Administration, and Republicans in Congress, have turned their back on the our nation's students and teachers. The President's budget request for FY ’04 underfunds his own bill by almost $10 billion. And, the Republican controlled House plan would underfund the bill by almost $8 billion. This is unacceptable, and our children deserve better.


"The President’s plan for education reform has become nothing more than an unfunded mandate. It leaves schools grossly underfunded and encourages teachers simply to teach students to pass performance tests, instead of teaching a broad based curriculum. This policy has failed the students of Houston and left unchanged will fail students nationwide.


"True educational reform will come when we invest our time and resources in provided students with better paid and highly qualified teachers. When we invest in new and modern facilities to replace the crumbling schools to many children attend everyday. And, true reform will come when we reduce class sizes.


"Our nation has great wealth. There is no better investment for our nation then providing our youth with the tools they need to succeed. We must make true education reform a priority of this Congress and our nation."

http://www.kucinich.us/issues/education.php