WASHINGTON, DC -- More than a half century after the Supreme Court ruled that educational opportunity must be made available to all on equal terms, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) has reintroduced “The Student Bill of Rights,” legislation that would ensure every child benefits from the landmark ruling.

“After 53 years of lawsuits, presidential commissions, research studies and public scrutiny, poor children in every state are still the least likely to receive a quality education,” said Congressman Fattah.  “‘The Student Bill of Rights’” asserts that this national scandal to deprive poor children of a decent education must end – and it must end now.”

Building on the accountability provisions in the “No Child Left Behind Act,” “The Student Bill of Rights” would hold states responsible for providing students with access to the seven fundamentals of educational opportunity essential to student achievement.  They include:

• High quality classroom teachers and school administrators
• Rigorous academic standards, curricula, and methods of instruction
• Small class sizes
• Quality facilities, textbooks, instructional materials and supplies
• Up to date library resources
• Up to date computer technology
• A sufficient number of qualified guidance counselors

“Every child must have access to a high quality education,” said Congressman Fattah.  “This bill provides students with the keys necessary to unlock their full academic potential.”

Over the years the bill has been endorsed by some of the nation’s most respected educational and civil rights organizations including: the National Education Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the American Federation of Teachers, National Council of La Raza, the Children’s Defense Fund and the National Parent Teachers Association, just to name a few.