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U.S. Rep. Hirono Signs 'Pledge to America's Schoolchildren'
U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono signed a "Pledge to America's Schoolchildren" during a visit to Kailua Elementary School this morning. As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, Hirono holds education, preschool, and teacher training among her highest priorities.
The "Pledge to America's Schoolchildren" is a project of the National School Boards Association that has been signed so far by 177 bipartisan members of Congress. The pledge calls for positive improvements to the No Child Left Behind Act, funding support for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), support for school readiness and teacher training programs, and a commitment to help school districts provide students with "21st Century skills" in areas including math, science, and technology.
"This pledge represents my commitment to ensure America's schoolchildren receive the highest quality public education and make certain that my schools continue to fulfill their essential role in our communities," states the document signed by Hirono. "Through my efforts in Congress, I pledge to actively support and collaborate with my local school boards to promote excellence and equity in raising student achievement."
Hirono was welcomed by Board of Education Chairperson Karen Knudsen, BOE 1st Vice Chairperson John Penebacker, Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto, Kailua Elementary Principal Lanelle Hibbs, and Vice Principal Jennifer Luke-Payne.
In January, Knudsen and Penebacker visited Hawaii's Congressional members in Washington, DC, and invited them to sign the pledge. So far, Senator Daniel Akaka is also among the 123 Democrats and 54 Republicans who have signed.
At Kailua Elementary, the congresswoman also visited and read to children in the Pre-Plus preschool on the school campus. While serving as Hawaii's lieutenant governor, Hirono led the effort to establish the Pre-Plus Program.
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