SD Sen. Rounds talks education reform bill

The Every Child Achieves Act is a bill being discussed on the Senate floor that would replace the No Child Left Behind Act, something South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds says is long overdue.

Rounds says the bill would give states the decision–making power when it comes to education instead of using the mandated standards in No Child Left Behind.

Rounds offered an amendment to that bill which seeks to improve the quality of education and address low graduation rates at tribal schools across the country, especially in rural and high–poverty areas.

He says some tribal schools have graduation rates below 40 percent and says, "When it comes to our Native American students, we can do better."

The Senate unanimously passed the amendment, and Rounds says the Every Child Achieves Act has widespread support.

He expects the Senate to approve it sometime next week.