Representative Loebsack Receives Whole Child Leadership Award

ASCD Honors Lawmaker for His Efforts to Improve U.S. High Schools

Alexandria, VA (09/30/08)—The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) has presented Representative Dave Loebsack (D-IA) with the Whole Child Leadership Award to recognize his sponsorship of the Getting Retention and Diplomas Up Among Today's Enrolled Students (GRADUATES) Act.

The Whole Child Leadership Award honors elected officials who have distinguished themselves by working closely with the Association and its membership to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged in learning, supported by caring adults, and challenged academically.

"Representative Loebsack has distinguished himself as an advocate for strengthening our education system through his sponsorship of the GRADUATES Act and his introduction of the Working to Encourage Community Action and Responsibility in Education Act," said Carter. "His efforts demonstrate his commitment to supporting the whole child and ensuring the future success of our nation's young people."

"It is an honor to have my work in Congress on behalf of Iowa's students recognized by an organization that represents such a broad spectrum of education leaders," noted Congressman Loebsack, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. "I am pleased to have so much support behind my efforts to make sure students are prepared for the 21st century and graduate ready to succeed by ensuring that our schools and communities are a source of learning and support."

As part of its initiative to promote the development of the whole child, ASCD has made innovative high school redesign a top legislative priority and has called on Congress to support the efforts of states and local education agencies to increase student engagement and lower dropout rates using research-based approaches that ensure high school graduates become productive citizens prepared for economic success in a competitive global market. The GRADUATES Act reflects much of what ASCD has proposed, including smaller, more personalized learning communities; mentoring programs; flexible scheduling; and learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

"Iowans can be proud of how Congressman Loebsack represents our state," said Pam Vogel, president of the Association's Iowa ASCD affiliate. "We truly appreciate his sponsorship of the GRADUATES Act. With funding and professional development to support teachers and administrators to redesign secondary programs, we can make a real difference in the lives of kids."

Although recognized for his sponsorship of the GRADUATES Act, Representative Loebsack's support for education has not stopped there. He recently introduced the Working to Encourage Community Action and Responsibility in Education (WE CARE) Act, which addresses the nonacademic factors that contribute to student success, and he has voted for other education-related legislation aimed at meeting the needs of the whole child.

Representative Loebsack is the second Iowan to receive the Whole Child Leadership Award. In 2006, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) was honored for his work to secure funding for the education of America's youth and to fulfill the federal commitment to the nation's main special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Contact Information 

• Barbara Michelman, ASCD communications director, at 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail
• Gabby Adler, press secretary, Representative Loebsack’s Washington, D.C. Office, at 202-225-6576 or by e-mail