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Foxx amendment protects student privacy, parental rights
Washington, DC,
March 15, 2007
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5) yesterday introduced and received approval for an amendment to a bill that will protect the confidentiality of children in Head Start programs. The bill, HR 1429, aims to stop unnecessary high-stakes testing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Amendment to Head Start bill approved by full Committee on Education Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5) yesterday introduced and received approval for an amendment to a bill that will protect the confidentiality of children in Head Start programs. The bill, HR 1429, aims to stop unnecessary high-stakes testing for young children. Foxx’s amendment ensures that federal agencies do not use children’s personally identifiable information to create national databases for the Head Start program. “Personal privacy is one of our nation’s foundational freedoms. I have worked hard in the past to make the privacy of students one of the highest priorities for agencies that collect data on our education system,” Representative Foxx said. “This amendment not only protects the privacy of children, but also guarantees that parents have access to their children’s records.” Foxx’s amendment was approved by the full House Committee on Education and Labor. It reaffirms the Head Start program’s commitment to parental involvement by restricting how federal agencies can use children’s personally identifiable information as Head Start works to improve the way it tests children across the nation. H.R. 1429 suspends a controversial nationwide program that gives high-stakes tests to 4-year-olds. It also protects local jurisdictions’ ability to determine how tri-annual testing is carried out in order to improve teaching methods. “As we continue to learn how best to assess the progress of children in Head Start programs, we must ensure that we do not compromise our children’s privacy,” Foxx said. “This amendment is a step toward enhancing the program’s accountability without damaging the rights of parents and students.” Foxx has successfully added language to past education bills to protect student privacy. She recently helped preserve student privacy by amending the College Access & Opportunity Act, which passed the House in 2006. Her amendment ensured that college students’ personal information would not make its way into Department of Education databases. Parents interested in more information on H.R. 1429 or the Head Start program can contact Foxx’s Washington, DC office at (202) 225-2071.
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