The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, declared its support for the Student Success Act (H.R.5), sponsored by Representative John Kline (R-MN) — which is to be considered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives starting today.

The legislation will reauthorize and revise the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which funds local public school districts for specific purposes, such as remedial reading, teacher training, speech and occupational therapy.

While school districts are mandated by law to deliver ESEA services to all students, including those in non-public schools, too often they fail to implement these programs. The text of H.R. 5 includes recommendations from the Orthodox Union that will improve the ESEA’s distribution of equitable services for all students.

In a letter to Chairman Kline and Subcommittee Chair Todd Rokita (R-IN) of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the leadership of the Orthodox Union expressed its appreciation for the provisions within H.R. 5, which would “ensure the participation of private school students and teachers in the programs funded under the ESEA.”

“The revisions to the ESEA provided within H.R.5 will better protect access for low-income and learning-challenged students in non-public schools,” said Nathan Diament, Executive Director for Public Policy for the Orthodox Union.

“The Orthodox Union has worked with Representatives and Senators on both sides of the aisle for many years to improve ESEA for all American children — including those in non-public schools — and we are pleased to support the Student Success Act for the reauthorization of ESEA. We urge all the members of the House of Representatives to support H.R.5 and pass it today,” added Mr. Diament.

[TLS]