Many scholars have recognized the direct relation between building a student's character and building a student's intellect, and it is time that we make both a priority. For many years, the character education movement has grown out of my hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee. We have seen first hand the positive impact that character education can have on young people. Today I am optimistic that these initiatives will be a central part of education reform. We believe that as the Bush Administration and Congress pursue academic reforms to increase accountability and improve performance in our public schools, it is also essential that character education proposals be advanced.
Education is indeed the key to opportunity in our society.
Zach Wamp is in his fourth term in Congress representing Tennessee's Third District.