Morris Leader

Parsippany, NJ –– Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is taking bipartisan action to address the significant learning loss caused by COVID-19-related disruptions to children’s education. This week, she is introducing theExpanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act alongside Republican Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01). This bill aims to improve the academic achievement and recovery of students through the creation and administration of high-impact tutoring programs in K-12 schools.

Watch a recording of her press conference unveiling the bill here.

“As a mother of four, I saw firsthand the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic caused for our nation’s students as they navigated virtual learning, the disruptions in the routines that help them thrive, and the mental health impacts of this public health emergency. The data is clear: our kids are falling behind in the classroom and we must do more to meet the needs of this generation before our entire country falls behind,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Ensuring opportunities for our students are not hindered in the long-term by COVID is a goal that has bipartisan support. With this legislation, we are putting kids first by providing our schools with the resources they need to enact proven, evidence-based tutoring programs that will help students fill in those gaps.”

This legislation would provide grant funding to States for the purpose of implementing, administering, and evaluating programs in K-12 school districts that provide intensive, high-dosage tutoring to students, and provide funding for the Department of Education and States to develop a nationwide tutoring workforce. To learn more about these provisions, click here.

“By directing the Secretary of Education to award grants for tutoring programs, we are ensuring every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the additional support they need to thrive. These programs will play a vital role in filling educational gaps and empowering our students to reach their full potential. Investing in targeted tutoring initiatives is an investment in the future of our nation, and we are committed to working tirelessly to secure the resources necessary to make this vision a reality,” said Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01).

The Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act is endorsed by a large number of teachers and education advocacy organizations, including the National Education Association, New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Association of School Administrators, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, Saga Education, America Forward, Proven Tutoring, and Accelerate. Click here to read testimonies from these organizations on why this bill is needed.

Original source can be found here