Statement on the Passing of Senator Edward Kennedy By EIA Executive Director Steven Pines WASHINGTON, DC – August 27, 2009 – The Education Industry Association (EIA) and its more than 450 members mourn the loss of U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), one of our country’s most tireless, passionate and productive advocates for education, and send our condolences to the Kennedy family and to an America which will miss his leadership. Senator Kennedy’s leadership and commitment to bipartisanship paved the way for far-reaching, even revolutionary programs that have made an indelible mark on America’s children, teachers and schools. To him, access to quality educational opportunities is a fundamental civil right for all, regardless of economic circumstances, geographic location or academic ability. From his leadership on the creation of the Head Start early education program, to his instrumental role in shaping and securing overwhelming bipartisan support for “No Child Left Behind” in 2002, Senator Kennedy played an instrumental role each reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and in every major piece of education legislation enacted by Congress over the past 45 years. Indeed, Senator Kennedy’s efforts of more than four decades continue to improve lives, provide opportunity and generate hope and optimism, each day, for all of America’s children. A man of deep and personal principles, I remember two years ago, Senator Kennedy correcting a noted researcher from Harvard who had just testified that tutoring does not work. When Kennedy finished extolling the effectiveness of tutoring, the Harvard professor beat a hasty retreat. As the witness there to advocate for Supplemental Education Services (SES), I had nothing to add to the Senator’s perfect defense of after school tutoring. For that, and for everything he meant to U.S. public education, Senator Edward Kennedy deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. He will be missed, but his legacy and his influence will most certainly live on. About the Education Industry Association The Education Industry Association works to expand educational opportunities and improve student achievement for learners of all ages by infusing American education with market-based drivers of service, innovation, and results. Founded in 1990, EIA is the leading trade association for private providers of education services, suppliers, and other private organizations in all sectors of education. EIA currently has more than 400 individual and corporate members. For more information call EIA Executive Director Steven Pines at 800-252-3280 or visit www.educationindustry.org.