NAESP supports the Rebuild America Act, introduced late last week by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Harkin says the legislation would give the economy a much-needed “shot in the arm” by allocating more than $320 billion in federal aid to modernize schools and support the professional development of principals, revitalize ailing infrastructure, and fund other important initiatives to spur job creation.

NAESP is specifically advocating for a section of the proposed legislation that would authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to provide professional development on college- and career-ready standards.

“Principals applaud the Chairman’s comprehensive strategy and the investment in professional development on college and career ready standards to build the capacity of teachers, principals, and other educators so that they are better prepared to help every student reach their full learning potential,” said Gail Connelly, executive director of NAESP. “We encourage the Senate to act quickly to pass this legislation as states begin to implement higher academic standards.”

To read NAESP’s letter in support of the proposal, click here.