Education
Summary of Position
Congressman DeSaulnier understands that education is the single-most important investment a nation can make in its future. Throughout his career in public service, from his time as a local Head Start Commissioner to his current seat on the House Committee on Education and Labor, he has been an advocate for quality education for every student. From preschool to higher education and beyond, Congressman DeSaulnier values a public education, programs to support the "whole child," accessible and affordable college opportunities for any students that wishes to attend, and ensuring that all students gain the skills they need to succeed in our rapidly changing workplace.
By the Numbers
Children who attend preschool can better socialize, manage stress, solve problems, and have higher job earnings later in life.
51% of American public school students are living in poverty.
Outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.3 trillion with African American college graduates owing $7,400 more in student loans on average than their white peers upon graduating.
7 million, or 14% of K-12 public school students receive special education services.
The U.S. has an 84.6% high school graduation rate, the highest in history.
Millennials are on track to be the most educated generation in history, with 39% receiving at least a bachelor's degree.
Things to Know
- Only Bay Area member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce
- Completed an Education Listening Tour, where he visited 18 schools at every school district in our community, and compiled a report on his findings
- Member of the Career and Technical Education Caucus
Working for You
Spearheaded Creation of Statewide Family Engagement Centers
Research shows that students with involved families are more likely to earn higher grades, attend school regularly, and graduate. Congressman DeSaulnier authored the bipartisan Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R. 1194) with Rep. Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (R-PA), to create the Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC) grant program, which helps states and school districts promote family involvement in a student's education. The SFEC grant program was signed into law by President Obama and recently received $15 million in federal funding.
Authored Legislation to Support Young Children with Disabilities
While there has been advancement in supports for students with disabilities in elementary and secondary school, early education policy, like support for preschool students, has not kept pace. That's why Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act (H.R. 4107), which would restore full funding for education and services for children with disabilities age 0-5.
Leading Legislation to Protect Student Athletes from Concussions
To help protect younger athletes who are at greater risk from sports-related concussions than college or professional athletes, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act (H.R. 5611), which requires that schools support all students who have suffered concussions to return to sports and the classroom safely.
Protecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Together with Congressman Sarbanes and Senator Warren, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the What You Can Do For Your Country Act (H.R. 2441) to protect the PSLF program. This program allows America's public servants to qualify for student loan debt relief after working full-time for 10 years at certain nonprofit organizations or for local, state, or federal government. Secretary DeVos's Education Department, however, has only granted loan forgiveness to about 1% of civil servants who qualify. This bill would ensure that they get the debt relief they deserve.
For a downloadable copy of Mark's education work, click the image below:
Schools Districts in California's 11th Congressional District
K-12 Schools
Acalanes Union High | 1212 Pleasant Hill Rd. |
Antioch Unified | 510 G Street |
Canyon | P.O. Box 187 |
Lafayette | 3477 School Street |
Martinez Unified | 921 Susana Street |
Moraga | 1540 School Street |
Mt. Diablo Unified | 1936 Carlotta Drive |
Orinda Union | 8 Alatarinda Road |
Liberty Union High School of Brentwood | 20 Oak Street |
San Ramon Valley Unified | 699 Old Orchard Drive |
Walnut Creek | 960 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597 |
Oakley Union Elementary School District | 91 Mercedes Lane, Oakley, CA 94561 |
Brentwood Union School District www.brentwood.k12.ca.us/ | 255 Guthrie Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513 |
Dublin Unified School District www.dublin.k12.ca.us/ | 7471 Larkdale Avenue, Dublin, CA 94568 |
Colleges and Universities
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Diablo Valley College
| 321 Golf Club Road 1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon, CA 94582 |
Los Medanos College | 2700 E. Leland Road |
California State University, East Bay | 4700 Ynacio Valley Road |
Saint Mary's College of California | 1928 Saint Mary's Road |