Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Fayette principals present Georgia education concerns to Congress

Kathy Corley, principal of Sara Harp Minter Elementary School, and Eddie Pollard, principal of Tyrone Elementary School, recently visited Washington, D.C., to bring the views of school principals and their communities to the U.S. Congress.

Corley and Pollard joined 250 colleagues from across the U.S. for a joint meeting of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which brings together affiliate associations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Corley and Pollard briefed colleagues on education issues in Georgia and attended sessions on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal education funding, and leadership training. Corley and Pollard urged congress to:

Fully fund IDEA and Title I. Congress enacted IDEA in 1975 to ensure children with special needs and disabilities would be educated. Original legislation stated that the federal government could pay up to 40 percent of its costs to states. However, congress has never met this goal and presently contributes only 17 percent of the cost of IDEA. The principals urged congress to make full funding of IDEA mandatory by 2008. Title I funds are targeted at children who are the most at risk of school failure, often disadvantaged children who need extra and specialized assistance.

Reduce the special education paperwork requirements. IDEA's paperwork requirements have become so overwhelming and repetitive that much-needed special education teachers are leaving the profession. Principals urged congress to overhaul these requirements to give teachers more time to spend with students.

Support high-quality professional development pertaining to special education. Principals often are not included in special education training and methods. However, as school leaders who hire and evaluate special education teachers, principals need to be kept up to date on special education theory and practice.

Eliminate IDEA's dual system of discipline. Principals asked congress to adjust the school discipline and safety regulations under IDEA so that they apply to all children special and regular education students alike. Principals asked that federal funds not be contingent on a dual system of discipline.

Maintain funding for the School Leadership Initiative. Principals urged congress to continue funding this new program, which is designed to help high-need districts hire more principals. The program also provides some funds for professional development to help school leaders build their skills.

Increase funding for Smaller Learning Communities. A program to help more school districts and large schools plan and develop better learning environments by using smaller-school strategies.

Continue full funding for education programs. As demands for higher standards grow and educators are held accountable for student achievement, schools need a myriad of resources to help students meet high expectations. Along with GAESP principals from Georgia, Corley and Pollard discussed these concerns on Capitol Hill in meetings with Representative Nathan Deal, Republican; Johnny Isakson, Republican, and Senators Zell Miller, Democrat, and Max Cleland, Democrat.

Corley is president-elect of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals and was elected president-elect of the Southeastern Region of Elementary School Principals while in Washington, D.C. Pollard is Georgia's State Leader for the National Association of Elementary School Principals and was responsible for scheduling the congressional visits.