We had strong leadership in both government and the private sector, and there was the will among the people to invest in the future. I firmly believe that those conditions exist right now to revitalize our education system. We all need to extend a particular note of gratitude to the President, Vice President, and Secretary of Education for their leadership on making connections to the classroom more affordable for all schools and libraries. In addition, members of Congress of both parties, governors from both parties, business executives from all industries, education leaders, parents and teachers from across the country have all placed education improvement at the top of the nation's list of priorities. The political consensus and will to take action is there.
Education reform is no longer something that everybody talks about but never does anything about.
All over this country, people like yourselves are bringing their energy and creativity to making sure that our children enter the next century with hopes, dreams and the knowledge and skills to fulfill those hopes and dreams. There is no stronger natural connection than that between the seeking of knowledge and the capabilities of the Information Age. One defines the other. But as strong as the bond may be and as self-evident as it may seem to you and me, the widespread and intelligent deployment of technology in our schools will not happen automatically. You know the objections.