While several education bills have been introduced in Congress that call for greater flexibility and accountability in how federal education dollars are used, only the Bush plan would insist that states begin testing public school students every year in grades 3-8 in reading and math. Pennsylvania s school accountability system, which relies on rigorous reading, writing, and math standards, helps to find and fix problems and reward success, Ridge said. The Keystone State governor also noted that President Bush recognizes that the federal government should assist states with the cost of implementing the new system, rather than creating an unfunded mandate for states. In Delaware, the state s rigorous academic standards in topics such as reading and math are getting results, Carper said. I am hopeful that we can work together to translate our common goals into common ground legislation that will help every child in America reach high standards, so they can go on to live full, productive lives in the future.
Bipartisan agreement is well within our reach.
Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Maryland s State Superintendent of Schools, applauded President Bush for proposing that all states develop comprehensive systems of standards and accountability, noting that Maryland is already implementing many of the major elements of the President s education plan. Creating options for the parents of children trapped in chronically-failing schools is also an important element of improving the quality of America s public schools, noted Governor Ridge. Simply put parents, not government, should have the final word on where their children go to school. Their tax dollars. We must close the achievement gap for the most disadvantaged and make sure that the American dream is within the grasp of all our nation s children not just a selected few.