Published January 29, 2015 at 8:00 a.m.

By Sabrina Eaton, The Plain Dealer

Rep. Marcia Fudge won't be left behind when Congress attempts to rewrite "No Child Left Behind" education legislation this year.

The Warrensville Heights Democrat was elected as the ranking Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, which is expected to revise 2002 legislation that created controversy over the role of standardized tests in measuring progress by school districts.

"Congresswoman Fudge wants to help ensure a bill is crafted that addresses equity in resources and creates opportunity for a quality education for all students regardless of zip code or family income," said spokeswoman Belinda Prinz.

To take on the education committee job, Fudge gave up a position she had for two years as top Democrat on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight and Nutrition, where she fought efforts to cut food stamps during last year's farm bill reauthorization.

Fudge's office says she'll remain a member of Agriculture subcommittee, and one on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research. She will also be a member of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

"I welcome the challenge and the opportunity to ensure that all of America's children have access to a quality education," said a press statement from Fudge. "We must advance policies and priorities that provide adequate funding, equitably allocate resources, and ensure that all students graduate from high school college and career ready."