To the Editor:

As an active member of this community, I understand the value of a high-quality public education for our children. The so-called Student Success Act, which will be voted on by the House of Representatives, dismantles 45 years of policy committed to ensuring disadvantaged children are provided a high-quality education.

This bill does nothing to reduce the fixation on high-stakes testing and proposes a flawed system to evaluate teachers, undercutting support for the development and implementation of evaluation systems that are designed to support the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

This bill eliminates critical supports, such as wraparound services, professional development for teachers and smaller class sizes, which we know provide a balanced education. This bill undermines our nation's civil rights responsibilities to ensure all children have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background or where they live.

Janet Jacobs