Bonamici, Davis Lead Bipartisan Call for Educating the Whole Child

Whole Child Resolution Recognizes Importance of Keeping Students Safe, Healthy, and Engaged

WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/26/2016]–Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution to express the support of Congress for the ‘whole child’ approach to education. The whole child approach recognizes that students deserve to be healthy, safe, and engaged—and that these factors are inextricably linked to students’ academic success.

The Resolution introduced today includes provisions that reinforce the benefits for students when they are physically and emotionally safe in and out of school, challenged by well-rounded curricula, and given access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity.

“Every child has the right to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, a member of the House Education Committee. “Many factors influence how engaged students are and how well they do in school, and often those factors happen outside the classroom. When students are bullied, hungry, or fearful, they can’t focus on learning. I thank Congressman Davis for joining with me to call attention to the important role that families, educators, and community members play in helping students succeed. This Resolution reminds policymakers at all levels to address the many factors that affect students and give every student an opportunity to thrive.”

“As a parent of three children, I know every child is unique and has different needs,” said Congressman Rodney Davis. “Encouraging the involvement of parents, educators, and community members so students feel safe, challenged, and engaged at school is critical to improving our country's education system, increasing graduation rates, and adding to our national economy. Illinois has supported whole-child education since 2012 when lawmakers designated March as Whole Child Month to promote a comprehensive approach to educating Illinois students, and I look forward to the U.S. House joining my home state to honor the whole child approach.”

The Whole Child Resolution also encourages the federal government to coordinate services among agencies that support the education, health, and safety of our youth.

Bonamici and Davis introduced the Resolution with the support of Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA); Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Ranking Member Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH); Congressman Ryan A. Costello (R-PA); Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL); Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik (R-NY); and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). You can read a copy of the Resolution here.