Statement by the American Federation of Teachers
on Rep. Fattah’s "Student Bill of Rights"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The American Federation of Teachers is pleased that Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) has introduced the "Student Bill of Rights," which focuses attention on the need for all children to have qualified teachers, up-to-date textbooks and materials, challenging curricula, small classes and safe learning environments. These measures are an essential part of any serious effort to close the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.

One of the greatest obstacles to ensuring that every child in this country receives a quality education is that, all too often, the schools serving the most disadvantaged students lack the resources they need to help children learn. Rep. Fattah’s proposal would help overcome this obstacle by eliminating disparities and inequities in state education funding.

We appreciate Rep. Fattah’s leadership in tackling the important issue of school finance equity and look forward to working with him to expand opportunities for all children and provide help to those who need it most.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.