May 2011
NAPSO Members Support Reintroduction of Reducing Barriers to Learning Act
Congress Urged to Include Legislation as part of Elementary & Secondary
Education Act (ESEA)
(Washington, DC – May 19, 2011) – The 20 national organizations of the National
Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations applaud U.S. Representative David Loebsack
(D-IA) on the reintroduction of the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act. This
legislation would provide the leadership to ensure every student receives the
critical supports necessary for school success.
"“We have to give every student the opportunity to succeed, and for some children
that means providing services to address their safety, health, and wellbeing in
addition to meeting academic needs. This legislation will help schools and teachers
better serve their students and comprehensively address their needs," said bill
sponsor Loebsack.
The bill will enable the U.S. Department of Education to establish the Office of
Specialized Instructional Supports to provide leadership, guidance, and technical
assistance to State education agencies and local school districts in providing
specialized instructional support services in schools. This effort will also improve
cross-agency coordination of services and programs supporting students who face
barriers to learning.
"Also, State agencies may compete for grants to build their capacity through
recruiting and retaining coordinators of specialized instructional supports at the
local and state levels," added Myrna Mandlawitz, NAPSO Co-Chairman. "Leadership
at the federal, state, and local level will enhance and streamline service delivery to
help students meet academic and behavioral challenges."
NAPSO urges Congress to pass the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act and include it
in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for the
improvement of academic outcomes for all students.
About The National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations
NAPSO is a coalition of national professional organizations whose members provide
and support a variety of school-based prevention and intervention services to assist
students in becoming effective learners and productive citizens. NAPSO
organizations represent more than a million members, including school counselors,
school nurses, psychologists, school psychologists, social workers and school social
workers; occupational therapists, physical therapists, art therapists,
dance/movement therapists, and music therapists; speech-language pathologists
and audiologists; teachers, students, parents, and administrators. NAPSO promotes
interdisciplinary practice and collaboration and advocates for ensuring access to
quality services for all students. NAPSO member organizations are bound together
by the common vision to bring all students, in all states, the programs and
professional support services they need to ensure success in school.
Congressman Loebsack Fights for Critical Support Services for Students
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Loebsack reintroduced the Reducing
Barriers To Learning Act of 2011 to increase student access to critical services and
to assist schools in addressing the non-academic factors that may affect students’
ability to learn.
“We have to give every student the opportunity to succeed, and for many children
that means providing services to address their safety, health, and wellbeing in
addition to meeting their academic needs,” said Loebsack. “This legislation will
help schools and teachers comprehensively address their students’ needs, giving
them the motivation to remain engaged in school and helping them to succeed
academically.”
Many important services are provided by specialized personnel, such as school
counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, physical
therapists, speech and language pathologists, vision and hearing specialists and
other personnel. Unfortunately, these services are at risk in many schools due to the
economic downturn and its impact on state and local budgets.
Loebsack’s bill would establish an Office of Specialized Instruction Support within
the U.S. Department of Education to provide specialized instructional support
services in schools and clarify the roles of specialized instructional support
personnel. It would also create a grant program for State Education Agencies to
build the capacity of Local Education Agencies to develop programs and train
personnel dedicated to removing barriers to learning.
In addition, today Congressman Loebsack offered an amendment to H.R. 1891, a
House Republican bill to eliminate many education
programs. Loebsack’s amendment would have preserved students’ access to mental
health and counseling services. It would also have protected local efforts to create
effective anti-violence and anti-drug programs. Unfortunately, House Republicans
voted down the amendment, jeopardizing these services that keep Iowa students
healthy.
“I grew up in poverty and I know first-hand the uphill battle many low-income
students face. I was very lucky to have had the help of caring adults in my family,
school and community, but all too frequently the story is much
different,” said Loebsack. “Support for our students is critical and I refuse to stand
by and watch these services be eliminated, denying our children the opportunity to
maximize their academic potential.”