We have increased funding to train and recruit teachers, because we know a good education starts with a good teacher. And I have a wonderful partner in this effort. Please help me salute our gracious First Lady, Laura Bush. Laura will travel across America, to promote sound teaching practices and early reading skills in our schools and in programs such as Head Start. When it comes to our schools, dollars alone do not always make the difference.
Funding is important, and so is reform.
So we must tie funding to higher standards and accountability for results. Yet when the Federal Government spends tax dollars, we must insist on results. Children should be tested on basic reading and math skills every year, between grades three and eight. Critics of testing contend it distracts from learning. But let us put that logic to the test.