Third Congressional District, Indiana 2352 Rayburn Building Washington,D.C. 20515 202-225-3915

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Mehl April 19, 1999 106-34

CHICAGO, IL -- U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer joined Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert today at a congressional field hearing in Chicago to hear from parents, teachers, principals and administrators about ongoing reforms in the Chicago public schools.

Roemer, who requested the hearing held by the House of Representative's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, cited the Chicago public school system as a model for public school reform. "They are embracing public education, yet requiring bold reforms, including shutting down poorly performing schools, insisting on safety and discipline, and ending social promotion policies. They are not giving up on a single child. Chicago is proof that the public school system can be responsive and can work."

"Members of Congress need to hear about how public school districts are working hard to bring about new ideas and innovation," continued Roemer. "We need to encourage this innovation and keep the focus on public education reform. Nine out of every 10 children in America attend public schools," continued Roemer, "and education reform is a top priority for Americans. I hear about the importance of this issue from parents, businesses, and educators. They understand that if America is going to excel in the next century we must concentrate on improving our public schools."

Roemer noted that the lessons from Chicago's reform efforts should influence Congress as it starts the process of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which governs federal aid to school districts. That measure will be considered by Congress this year.

"Congress must use creative ideas to reform ESEA," noted Roemer who cited three goals for the legislation. "First, it must provide increased flexibility and local control in exchange for improved student performance. Second, I want to provide opportunities for parents to choose the educational setting that is best for their children. Third, Congress must look at issues such as teacher quality, training, and professional development. Over two million new teachers will be needed in American classrooms over the next decade to meet growing enrollment and teaching retirements."

During the past several years, Roemer has worked to pass a number of education reforms through Congress. Both the House and Senate, for example, have approved Roemer's "Ed-Flex" bill that would give school districts greater control and flexibility in operating education programs.

Other reform initiatives Roemer initiated include efforts to help communities recruit and train well qualified teachers. In addition, last year he authored a measure that increased federal assistance for charter schools -- public schools which are created by teachers, parents and other members of the community to stimulate reform.

Roemer was joined at the field hearing by Speaker Hastert, Subcommittee Chairman Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and several other House Members. The hearing took place in the Jones Magnet School on South State Street in Chicago.