Statement by Antonia Cortese, Executive Vice President,
American Federation of Teachers, on Center on Education Progress Report
Showing Major Title I Funding Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is unacceptable that school districts that are most in need of resources to improve student achievement will see a cut or a freeze in Title I funding for the 2006-07 school year.  The recent trend of underfunding Title I, despite a simultaneous increase in children living in poverty, is creating a devastating effect on schools that educate these students.  Freezing or cutting Title I funds is like telling a sick person to get better but withholding an adequate dose of medication.   

These inadequate Title I funding levels are occurring as schools and teachers are working tirelessly to meet the No Child Left Behind requirements.  One of AFT’s recommendations for improving the No Child Left Behind Act is to fund the law at the level promised in the 2001 reauthorization.  Current funding is insufficient to serve all eligible students.  Cutting or freezing Title I money will make meeting the NCLB requirements even more difficult.  This is unfair to school districts and especially to students who deserve a high-quality education. 

When Congress returns after its summer recess, it must pass an education spending bill that prevents the recurring problem of underfunding Title I and its adverse impact on needy children.

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