Our inner cities face great challenges in providing a quality education. Education is the key to developing a strong, prosperous society, and without a solid education, many of our communities' youth will be left behind. That’s why I have introduced and supported bills that increase teacher salaries, reduce class size, and provide the latest technology to our students. I have also cosponsored the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act that makes college affordable, enabling more students to graduate. It also promotes reforms in early learning standards to ensure the next generation of children enter kindergarten with the skills needed to succeed in school.

We need to ensure that our children have access to the best education possible. My Student Right to Know Act requires schools receiving federal dollars to reveal the graduation statistics for student athletes. This ensures that families know what kind of an education a scholarship athlete can expect.

During my years in Congress, I have been a staunch advocate for the full funding of programs like Teach for America and NYC Teaching Fellows, which bring highly qualified graduates of elite colleges and universities into urban classrooms. I am also presently developing legislation that will increase the number of school guidance counselors, social workers and psychologists in underserved school districts. By increasing the support services provided in our public schools, we can ensure that our students have the tools to succeed both socially and academically.