Finally, every school in the United States must be safe, disciplined, and drug-free. These goals form a binding standard of excellence for our Nation's schools, a standard that both animates and guides our ongoing efforts to revitalize American education. In July, I joined with the Nation's Governors in establishing the National Education Goals Panel, which will measure and report progress toward these crucial objectives. Achieving our national education goals is not, however, a job for panel members and government officials alone. Because education is a lifelong process of learning, growth, and discovery, our ability to achieve excellence in the Nation's schools begins at home.
Government can encourage parental involvement by expanding choice in education.
At home, in the classroom, in public office, and in the community at large, all of us can and must work toward achieving our national education goals. Each of us is accountable for the quality of American education, and each of us has a vital stake in its future. This week let us reaffirm our determination to make excellence, once again and always, the hallmark of American education. I urge all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.