The Citizen Patriot reports today that Congressman Walberg will not be voting to reauthorize President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" education legislation when it comes up, instead favoring the "A-PLUS Act" ("Academic Partnerships Leads Us to Success Act"). The Citizen Patriot promises more in tomorrow's issue.

First, I'll take a moment to say that I hate the name "A-PLUS". Seriously, when did laws have to get cute little names just to be able to pass? Next, someone will write a bill with an acronym of "AMERICA," because no one will want to be on record voting against America! This is ridiculous.

Anyway, "A-PLUS" can be found here. It was initially sponsored by Michigan Republican Peter Hoekstra, and has been cosponsored by Walberg and 54 others-- all Republicans, and 32 of them are members of the Republican Study Committee (the far-right conservatives within the Republican caucus).

"No Child Left Behind" is certainly a flawed law, but I'm afraid I don't know enough about the details yet to take a serious stance on it or the bill Walberg supports. Are there any educators out there (or others with knowledge on the issue) who could provide some more information? I'd love to hear what you all think as I begin to educate myself on education.

Comments, anyone?

By the way, in case you're wondering who your representative has been hanging out with, watch this hilarious interview Stephen Colbert did with fellow cosponsor of "A-PLUS" and fellow member of the RSC, Congressman Lynn Westmoreland.

Labels: 110th Congress, Education, Republican Party, RSC, Tim Walberg