Statement by Edward J. McElroy
President, American Federation of Teachers
on the Introduction of School Voucher Legislation

BOSTON – Last week's U.S. Department of Education's own study revealing that private schools are no magic bullet for student achievement is reason enough to deep-six the latest voucher legislation.  Federal education dollars should be spent helping public schools meet the No Child Left Behind mandates. 

Public schools are making steady progress in raising academic achievement but they need real help from the federal government, not disingenuous proposals from the Republican congressional leadership intended to please political allies.  A good start would be to fully fund NCLB so that all public schools have a chance to meet the law’s requirements.  

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