NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The following are remarks by Secretary
Paige and an introduction of a video, as prepared for delivery at the 2004
Republican National Convention:
Good evening Fellow Americans.
We live in a great country.
A nation of good people in pursuit of great ideals - defined by our
Founders, defended by citizen-soldiers, and delivered to us.
We inherited a great nation.
So must our children! No nation -- whatever the size of its armed forces
or economy -- can sustain greatness unless it educates all, not just some, of
its citizens. No one understands that better than President Bush.
He's always had a compassionate vision for education: Students challenged
by high standards; teachers armed with proper resources; parents empowered
with information and choices.
Young adults with meaningful diplomas in their hands - not despair in
their hearts. He saw that many schools shared his vision. They have
dedicated teachers, outstanding administrators, involved parents.
They are in cities, suburbs and rural communities. But there were also
schools where young minds were left unengaged; good teachers left unsupported;
standards left unused.
Kids who passed through these schools -- were robbed of their life's
potential.
And so were we.
Other Presidents tried to fix this problem. But even as education spending
skyrocketed, the "achievement gap" persisted.
On a personal note: In my youth I attended segregated schools. I was in
college when the Supreme Court announced Brown versus Board of Education. I
felt liberated that day.
I thought true equality would soon follow. It did not.
While Brown opened the schoolhouse door to all -- it did not guarantee
quality education for all. President Bush saw this two-tiered system as
unacceptable! He proposed a plan -- High standards; measurable goals; real
consequences -- and resources to get the job done.
He promised results.
He delivered results.
The President's first legislative proposal was the No Child Left Behind
Act.
This bipartisan law raises the bar for all students -- no matter their
race or income level.
It challenges what the President calls the "soft bigotry of low
expectations." Its goal is simple: all students read and do math at grade
level.
States, not Washington, set the standards. Schools that need assistance
get assistance.
Support for education under President Bush has gone up 36 percent -- with
more funds requested for disadvantaged students than during the entire Clinton
administration.
Casey Stengel would say: "You can look it up!"
Now schools are held accountable for making real progress. If they don't,
parents have real choices -- such as after-school homework help, or the choice
of another school.
No Child Left Behind is working.
All across America -- test scores are rising; students are learning; the
achievement gap is closing; teachers and principals are beaming with pride!
President Bush also increased Pell Grants funding so one million more young
adults can afford college.
Although much work remains, our choice is simple: We can either build on
these achievements -- or return to the days of excuses and indifference.
Our opponents voted for No Child Left Behind. They praised it then. Now
they attack it.
They say No Child Left Behind should be watered down, schools can't handle
change, some children just can't learn. We say, do not underestimate our
public schools -- do not underestimate our teachers -- and never underestimate
our children!
We say high standards, accountability and achievement are on the right
track -- and we're not going back!
This election may be multiple choices, but there's only one correct
choice. To go forward, not back. To choose compassion, not cynicism. To set
high standards, not settle for second-best.
To elect a true "reformer with results" -- not a "Johnny Come Lately" with
mere promises! Only one candidate has worked to create an education system
worthy of a great nation.
President George W. Bush.
And now, let's take a look at a school where No Child Left Behind is
helping disadvantaged students.
Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the
2004 Republican National Convention
2 Penn Plaza * New York, NY 10121 * 212-356-2004
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee
SOURCE 2004 Republican National Convention
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Convention Communications, +1-212-356-2300
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