The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to Congresswoman Houlahan, Congressman Quigley, Congressman Fitzpatrick, and Members of the House of Representatives for passing the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act today with broad bipartisan support.
“We cannot overstate the profound impact COVID-19 is having on education across the world. This education gap has the potential to hinder global efforts on economic justice, lasting peace, poverty eradication, ending world hunger, gender equity and more. As a steadfast advocate for women and girls around the world, I’m particularly concerned about the harrowing consequences school-aged girls face in light of school closures – including an increased likelihood of gender-based violence. I am so proud to announce that our bill addressing this gap has passed the House with bipartisan support. I am grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Quigley for their staunch support for the legislation and efforts to begin addressing this dramatic gap in education across the world. As leaders on the international stage, the United States needs to be doing everything we can to mitigate the effects of such an education gap and stand up for the world’s youth. This bill is a critical first step in that mission.”
“This past year has deeply tested students both here in the United States and around the world. To move forward successfully in this new world, we need to understand exactly what our students and education systems need not just to survive but to thrive. I’m proud to have voted for our legislation’s passage in the House today, and I am committed to advocating for it until it is signed into law.”
“We know that protracted school closures can lead to loss of learning and other harms for vulnerable children and youth, and it is vital that we respond to the largest disruption to education in modern history by ensuring that learners are supported to return to school and resume their education. Passage of this important bill strengthens the international effort to address learning loss, mitigate the risk of dropout and other harms, and ultimately help students recover from COVID-19 and reach their full potential.”
The bipartisan Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021 will help improve the quality and reach of international education assistance by requiring USAID to submit a report to Congress that assesses the impact of the pandemic on children and youth around the world and outlines the response that is needed to mitigate learning loss and help students get back on track.
The Basic Education Coalition looks forward to working Sen. Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Boozman (R-AR) to advance the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act in the Senate and pass this legislation into law.
The Basic Education Coalition is a group of leading U.S.-based organizations and academic institutions working together to promote global peace and prosperity through education.