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Elton Gallegly (R)

US House of Representatives, District 23

These statements are shown exactly as they appeared at http://www.gallegly.com in November 2000

Elton Gallegly on Education "Elton Gallegly is a product of the Los Angeles public school system. His four children, all successful professionals today, are products of Ventura County public schools. Elton Gallegly believes in our public schools. He also knows our schools can do much better. Only 10 percent of the money flowing to California classrooms comes from the federal government. That gives Washington a stake in local education, but it should not give it control. Rather, Elton Gallegly believes Washington should partner with states and local school districts to ensure they have the tools and flexibility necessary to give our children the best education possible. Elton Gallegly is working to ensure teachers are better trained to teach the knowledge necessary in an ever-evolving world. He is striving to hold our schools, teachers and administrators accountable for graduating students with the skills necessary to go to work or continue onto college. And, while holding them accountable, Elton Gallegly is working to provide our teachers and schools with the resources and the flexibility to try new and creative ways to reach our children and open the world of knowledge to them. Washington has an important role in educating our children. It can support programs to train teachers and achieve greater accountability. But, while Washington can help, most decisions need to be made at the local level, by people who know the children by name, and by people who understand the unique needs of a given community. Teacher Training -- Elton Gallegly supports teacher training. A bill he introduced, the Teacher Investment and Enhancement Act, would give teachers up to $4,000 in tax credits to take courses to increase their knowledge and skills in the subjects they teach. He supported the Teacher Empowerment Act, which provides funding for teacher training initiatives and class-size reduction, and puts more control over public education in the hands of teachers, parents and local school districts. Ninety-five percent of federal funds from this program go straight to the classroom -- where it is needed most. Elton Gallegly also supported the Fiscal Year 2000 budget agreement, which bans the use of federal funds to hire teachers who are not certified to teach, and requires teachers to demonstrate teaching skills and knowledge in their subject areas. It also allows school districts more flexibility to use federal funds to train teachers. Better Opportunities for Students -- Elton Gallegly believes there is nothing worse than wasting a child's potential. In too many school districts, particularly those in economically depressed areas, intelligent students are passed over because their talents aren't recognized. They are bored in classrooms that lack stimulation. They act out and become labeled problem children. Street gangs are full of very intelligent children who could be contributing to society's success - and their own. Elton Gallegly authored a bill to recognize those uncut diamonds and challenge them to succeed. It has been included in legislation to reauthorize Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It provides block grants to identify gifted and talented students from all economic backgrounds so they can reach their full potential. Elton Gallegly also supported legislative language in the Fiscal Year 2000 budget agreement that allows parents to remove their children from failing schools. It also helps schools meet the needs of our children. But if they can't, parents would have the option of moving their children to another public or charter school. Elton Gallegly believes children should not be trapped in failure. He believes teachers and students deserve access to the tools of success. And he's working hard to ensure they have them."

This page first published April 13, 2001 -- last updated April 13, 2001