America goes back to school

Teaching Pre K-8, Sep 1999 by Riley, Richard W

Everyone benefits when families and community members work to strengthen schools.

For the past six and a half years, I've had the great pleasure of serving as U.S. Secretary of Education. During that time, I've witnessed a real change in how people in this country think about education.

Education has moved to the top of our national agenda. Americans realize that one of our most important obligations is to make sure that our schools give children every opportunity to succeed.

That's why communities all across America are coming together to support their schools. When families and community members work to strengthen schools, everyone benefits - communities become stronger and students have a better chance for success.

To emphasize the importance of community involvement in education, every year the U.S. Department of Education sponsors America Goes Back to School. This initiative encourages parents and caring adults to share the responsibility for supporting local schools and helping children make the most of their lives.

Greater involvement. This summer, as part of our America Goes Back to School effort, I will visit several states to highlight the need for greater community, parental and business involvement in our schools. I'm looking forward to sharing ideas with people who are committed to helping children.

The theme of this year's initiative is "Challenge Our Students and They Will Soar." Children soar only when they believe they can soar - that is, when they're well trained, confident and willing to take risks. They develop those qualities only when teachers, parents and other caring adults challenge them to do their very best.

As a new school year approaches, I am calling on all Americans to work harder than ever before to help every American child receive a highquality education. President Clinton, Vice President Gore and I are working to support your efforts to make America's schools the best in the world.

Historic commitment. Last year, President Clinton proposed an historic commitment to help communities hire 100,000 new, well-prepared teachers and reduce average class size to 18 in the early grades.

This year, school districts will begin to benefit from this initiative. With funds from the class-size reduction program, schools can hire more teachers, so that every child receives personal attention, has a solid foundation for further learning, and reads well and independently by the end of third grade.

Last year, we made sure that the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act included a new $75 million Teacher Quality Initiative, which supports high-quality professional development. This program is designed to help teachers make high standards part of every lesson plan.

This fall, we are sponsoring a national conference on teacher quality, which will bring together college and university presidents, teachers and state education leaders to discuss teacher education.

The conference will explore how colleges and universities can use their resources to ensure that states and communities have a well-qualified teacher in every classroom.

Math and science. To focus attention on math and science teacher recruitment, preparation, retention and professional growth opportunities, we have established the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, chaired by former senator and astronaut John Glenn. The Commission will review the current condition of K-12 math and science education and recommend specific actions to be taken at federal, state and local levels.

These efforts represent a serious commitment to our nation's children. We recognize that good teachers can become even better with strong support from the entire community.

I hope that you will make a special effort this year to welcome families, businesses and community groups as America goes back to school.