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Q.

What does reauthorization mean?

A:

When Congress passes laws, they are usually not permanent, but expire after a period of time—usually five years. Congress then must revisit the law, and if they so desire, take the necessary steps to “reauthorize” for another period of time. Reauthorization really means renewing the former law.

Q:

When did NCLB expire?

A:

September 30, 2007, but current law is automatically is extended until a new bill is passed.

Q:

What is the purpose of the reauthorization process?

A:

The process is designed to allow Congress and the administration to collect data and information about the old law. Before Congress reauthorizes a law, they attempt to determine the efficacy of the former law. To do this, they hold hearings, obtain input from stakeholder organizations, and do on-site visits where the programs are in effect. On the basis of this data collection, they try to make changes in the law that will improve its impact. At the same time, lobbying groups and non-profit associations visit Congressional offices and recommend changes or amendments to the law. In the case of NCLB, these organizations include teacher unions, school superintendents, parent groups, school principals, civil rights groups, community-based organizations, think tanks, business, foundations, higher education, governors, state legislators, state superintendents, mayors, reformers, and the education research community.

Q:

What is the legislative process of reauthorization?

A:

The reauthorization process starts at the committee level. On the House side, the key committee is the Education and Workforce Committee, and because the House is much larger than the Senate, they usually split reauthorization work between various subcommittees. On the Senate side, the key committee is known as the HELP Committee, which stands for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Because the Senate is much smaller, the work of reauthorization will be done by the full committee. The committees then hold hearings and request input, and then the bill undergoes the “mark-up” process, which involves proposed changes in the form of amendments. After this is finished, votes are taken on the amendments or packages of amendments and the subcommittees or committee will vote to “report out” a bill that is then scheduled for debate on the floor of the Senate and House. If the House and Senate pass different bills, a conference committee consisting of Senators and House members from both sides of the aisle hammer out the differences. The bill then goes back to the House and Senate for yes or no votes, and then is sent to the president for his signature.

Q:

What options does Congress have in acting on NCLB?

A:

Congress could decide to do a number of things. They could:
 

1.	Radically change the law's intent and core.
2.	Keep the core of the law the same, but make minor changes and adjustments.
3.	Eliminate and dismantle the law.
4.	Keep the law the same.
5.	Not reach consensus on what a new law would look like, because they do not have the votes to pass any version of the law.

Q:

What happens if Congress does not act by the expiration date?

A:

Congress would then pass what is known as a continuing resolution that would extend the old law over a period of time—usually for a year. This buys time so that there is another year to work to reauthorize a new law.

Q:

When will Congress complete reauthorization?

A:

No one really knows. Since 2007, there has been a lot of discussion and Committee hearings about reauthorization, but very little movement. Starting with the 112th Congress which began in January 2011, there has been a special effort by the White House and the Administration in pushing the Congress to speed up work on developing draft bills, holding hearings, hosting markups and passing a bill, but speculation has it that it will be difficult to pass in 2011. The closer it gets to the 2011 elections, the more difficult it will be to get consensus on a bill, and therefore a possibility that reauthorization does not occur until after the 2012 elections. In addition, Congress has its legislative plate full with debt ceiling, 2012 federal budget, deficit reduction, health care, immigration, and Social Security reform, and other issues, that there may not be sufficient time to complete the process by the end of the 112th Congress which can go until December 31, 2012. On the other hand, both the House and Senate education committees are holding hearings and requesting comments for change, sol that part of the legislative process continues.

Q:

As an average citizen, how can I get my opinions heard?

A:

When NCLB was passed in 2002, very few citizens, organizations, or stakeholders were able to voice an opinion. The law was actually passed in a very closed process between Congress and the White House. But this time is different. Congress is requesting comments and the process is much more open. Citizens can and should be involved in a variety of ways. They include:
 

1.	Become knowledgeable about NCLB and the major provisions of the law.
2.	Collect information about both the strong areas and the points of the law that require improvement, based on their own personal experiences regarding NCLB. Almost every member of the House and the Senate wants information about how NCLB is working in their congressional districts and states, along with recommended solutions.
3.	Hold public hearings, town meetings, PTA events, and surveys to seek the voices of the public. Make sure that students are part of the community dialogue.
4.	Communicate with your own members of Congress via letters, faxes, phone calls, personal visits to local offices, and e-mails. Get to know the education person on the staff of your member of Congress.
5.	Become active in organizations that are taking positions on NCLB and lobby on behalf of citizens and groups such as local education funds, civic organizations and civil rights organizations.
6.	Identify two or three major areas that you believe need changing or improving.
7.	Invite policy makers to your school or to your meetings. Show them what works effectively in your schools and how NCLB can be a benefit.