WASHINGTON, D.C.
— Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) this week introduced the Equity in Excellence Act, a bill designed to help ensure that all students, regardless of their economic status, are challenged in school to reach their full potential.
The legislation would ensure that schools not only help all students reach proficiency, but that resources are dedicated to helping top-performing low-income students achieve at the same levels as their more advantaged peers.
“It’s simple: every child should be pushed to reach their full potential. Too often, we fail to challenge economically-disadvantaged students, and we leave some of our best and brightest behind,” said Dodd. “The Equity in Excellence Act will eliminate this gap among high-achieving students by helping talented but economically-disadvantaged kids find the challenging and enriching materials and programs they need to stay in school and on track.”
“Gifted students are often left without adequate assistance in our classrooms. We’re now seeing that there’s an even greater achievement gap among the highest achievers depending on their socio-economic status. Kids from all walks of life should have the opportunity to reach their potential. Our legislation will help these gifted kids receive the necessary tools to achieve success,” Grassley said.
The Equity in Excellence Act would amend the No Child Left Behind law to include competitive grants to support high-need school districts in eliminating the achievement gap between high-achieving, educationally disadvantaged students and their more advantaged peers.
The legislation would also help schools identify students with high potential who would receive targeted services upon entering the first grade. It would also measure these students' progress against their more advantaged counterparts to ensure continued progress.
Dodd and Grassley’s legislation has been endorsed by the National Association for Gifted Children, which is an organization of more than 8,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents.
“This crucial legislation has the power to free disadvantaged children from the cycle of poverty,” said Ann Robinson, president of the National Association for Gifted Children. “The Equity in Excellence Act will unleash the academic potential of students who have been overlooked for decades.”
Dodd is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and chair of its Subcommittee on Children and Families.
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