Harkin Welcomes Education Department Proposal on “2 Percent Rule”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rulemaking to transition away from the so-called “2 percent rule.” 

“The U.S. Department of Education’s proposal to eliminate the use of so-called 2 percent assessments and to work to provide all students, including those with disabilities, with the instruction and support for them to achieve, is a welcome announcement.  Modified assessments that expect less of students and often divert them from the chance to earn a high school diploma do not serve students or our country well.  I applaud the Secretary for making this decision and encourage the Department to continue to work with states to ensure highly effective teaching and adequate supports are in place to ensure all students achieve at the highest possible level.”

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