Thompson votes in favor of Student Success Act

After the House passed the Student Success Act on Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) said the legislation that will replace the controversial No Child Left Behind polices on education is a step in the right direction.

“As a former school board member, I have long known that Washington’s mandates, while often well intentioned, do not benefit our children,” Thompson, who serves on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, said. “The Student Success Act places the states, local school boards, parents and students back in control of many aspects of elementary and secondary education.”

In its essence, the Student Success Act will eliminate the curriculum and system of standardized tests produced by the federal government, which have frustrated countless parents and students over the past 20 years, returning the task of education management to the state and local level. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 218-213.

“The states have long been the true laboratories of innovation, and while the Student Success Act is not perfect, I am hopeful the Senate will follow suit and pass a bill that can be conferenced into a product that is best for our young learners,” Thompson concluded.