House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives

Education Issues

Special Education

In 2004, building on the historic No Child Left Behind Act, both parties in Congress rallied behind and approved the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act – legislation grounded in real, results-driven reforms on behalf of students with disabilities. The measure makes clear that states and schools are to be held strictly accountable for the progress of all students, including students with disabilities. 

Republicans and Democrats alike worked with parents, teachers, and schools to produce reforms that:

• make special education stronger for students and parents;
• ensure school safety and reasonable discipline;
• reduce unnecessary lawsuits and litigation;
• support teachers and schools; and
• reform special education funding and build on historic funding increases set in place by Republicans in Congress. 

In the 111th Congress, Republicans will continue working to see that these important reforms are implemented in a way that matches the spirit of the bipartisan 2004 law.

Press Releases

Kline, Price Discuss Efforts to Improve Teacher Quality, Ensure Effective Teachers for All Students (September 30, 2009)

Special Education Funding Languishes Under Democrat Spending Plan (July 24, 2009)

McKeon Requests Additional Information on Education Department’s Plans to Protect Students, Prevent Abusive Seclusion & Restraint in Schools (May 22, 2009)

Please click here for more Press Releases

Member Views

Kline Op-ed in the Star Tribune: A promise made to our children should be a promise kept (September 30, 2009)

Fact Sheets

The No Child Left Behind Act: Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Public Schools (January 4, 2007)

Committee Statements

Kline Statement: Hearing on “Teacher Equity: Effective Teachers for All Children” (September 30, 2009)

Rep. Price Testimony at Hearing on "Teacher Equity: Effective Teachers for All Children" (September 30, 2009)

McKeon Statement: Hearing on “Examining the Abusive and Deadly Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools" (May 19, 2009)