As a proud product of Georgia's public schools and the University of Georgia, I know that a strong public education system is the key to opportunity - not only for individuals but for our communities.

I'm committed to increasing funds for public schools, especially those struggling to turn around, and to ensure that teachers have the resources they need to be effective in the classroom.  As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I helped create new funding opportunities for early college high schools, as well as programs that help at-risk and low income students finish high school and prepare for college.  Our schools have a responsibility to leave no child behind academically, and I'm committed to improving the law to make it work better for students, teachers, schools, and states.  My priorities include:

• Shifting the focus off labels for struggling schools and onto better support for these schools in their efforts to turn themselves around, with increased funding and the time they need to implement reforms and get results.

• Attracting and retaining good teachers in high-need schools and subjects, by providing better support, training, mentoring, and professional career advancement opportunities for new and veteran teachers.

• Encouraging schools to provide a comprehensive curriculum, including subjects such as history, civics, the arts, music, and physical education, so that all children are well-rounded and have opportunities for many different kinds of learning experiences.

I believe that a college education is the best investment a person can make in their future.  Over the course of a lifetime a college graduate will earn almost twice the income of someone who didn't go to college.  Today the cost of college is higher than ever, and is too high for many families to bear.  To fix this, I worked to pass the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act.  This legislation will provide continued access to the Federal student loan program for students and their families, and help make college more affordable.