The bill passed on a 15-7 vote, HELP Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, announced afterward. During yesterday's committee hearing, Harkin said he and ranking member Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., had agreed to hold another open hearing on Nov. 8 to discuss the bill on the Senate floor before it goes to a vote.
The bill includes numerous changes to NCLB. It would eliminate the Adequate Yearly Progress system, allowing states to develop their own accountability measures. It would stress the need for college-and-career-ready curriculums, ensuring students are prepared to advance to a job or higher education after high school. It would also provide funding flexibility for state governments and local school districts.
