Every Student Counts Act (ESCA) (112th)
Date of Introduction: April 7, 2011
Sponsor(s): Harkin (D-IA)
Co-Sponsor(s):
House Bill Number: H.R. 1419
Date of Introduction: April 7, 2011
Sponsor(s): Scott (D-VA)
Co-Sponsor(s): Hansen Clarke (D-MI), Danny Davis (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX ), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP), Edolphus Towns (D-NY)
The Every Student Counts Act (ESCA) would require all states to calculate their graduation rates using the same formula and set a graduation rate goal of 90 percent for all students and disadvantaged populations. This legislation would codify and strengthen regulations developed in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Education that requires states to use a single, accurate graduation rate calculation; establish graduation rate goals; and set annual growth targets.
To learn more about ESCA, read the bill summary.
Read the Alliance's press release.
Read Congressman Bobby Scott’s press release.
Support for the ESCA: Since being introduced in the 112th Congress on April 7, 2011, ESCA has garnered support from members of the education community. Nearly thirty organizations, including the Alliance for Excellent Education, America’s Promise Alliance, Learning Disabilities Association of America, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Council of La Raza, Public Education Network, and United Way Worldwide signed on to joint letters in support of the Every Student Counts Act.