This latest report of the Goals Panel reinforces my conviction that the push that we have been making for high standards is the right way to go. Over the past decade, American schools have focused their attention on raising standards in math and science. Their efforts are beginning to pay off. The Panel reports that a majority of states are making significant gains in math and science achievement. There is still a long way to go, but I am confident that we are beginning to turn the corner and are heading in the right direction.
Young people take their cues from adults.
If we ask children to aim low and learn only a little, they will. If we ask children to aim high and learn more, they'll do that. When we set high standards, students respond by studying harder and taking their education more seriously. The focus that we have placed on math is particularly important. Just two weeks ago, the U. S. Department of Education released a report entitled, Mathematics Equals Opportunity.