State of American Education. Remarks Prepared for Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The central issue in education today is whether education has kept up with the fundamental and far-reaching changes in the economic and social structure of this nation. We must have a new ideal of American education grounded in the practical and hard-earned lessons of the last 10 years: that children who come to school healthy are engaged and ready to learn; that for too many children we inadvertently created a tyranny of low expectations and a watered-down curriculum; that excellency and equity are compatible; that teachers teach better if they have real time to learn new techniques and develop meaningful lessons and assessments; that schools do well when they draw on the resources of the community. It is time to move from the negative crisis of education to a positive solution. America's Goals 2000 is the centerpiece of our efforts to create a world-class education for every child. As we look to reconnect our children, four new connections deserve our special attention. First, schools must find new ways to make the connection between parents, their children, and the process of learning. Second, we must reconnect with our alienated minority youth, particularly African Americans and Hispanics. Third, we must acknowledge the vital link between reform of elementary and secondary education and ongoing reform efforts in higher education. Fourth, education must connect with technology. (Recommendations for connecting families and schools and a news release summarizing Secretary Riley's remarks, both from the Department of Education, are included.) (HTH)