The Senate has passed an education reform bill that changes the No Child Left Behind Law. Congressional Officials say that some reforms are expected help prevent youth suicide in Indian Country.
South Dakota Senator John Thune says changes to No Child Left behind will give more control to teachers, parents, states and school boards. Thune added two amendments to the bill that he says will help address the youth suicide epidemic in Indian Country.
“The first amendment would require greater coordination among federal agencies as it relates to their efforts to address youth suicide and the second would expand the use of a program called Project SERV which is a school emergency response to violence funds,” says Thune.
He says expanding Project SERV can have a direct impact on the problem.
“Pine Ridge schools have received Project SERV Grants. This amendment would allow recipient schools like those on the Pine Ridge Reservation more flexibility in creating and designing prevention programs that they think will work,” Thune says.
He says both reforms were passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this year.
South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem says she is backing a separate mental health bill that also aims to prevent youth suicide.