President Bush`s and Education Secretary Alexander`s new education plan-America 2000-is a bold, far-reaching strategy to help us improve education for everyone. It recognizes the direct link between schools and the skills of today`s and tomorrow`s workforce. And it underscores the fact that the quality of both are vital for America to remain economically competitive.
By attempting to make K-12 schools more accountable, this plan reinforces the idea that these schools must lay the foundation on which post-secondary institutions can build specific skills people need to be productive members of society.
President Bush says we must turn ”A Nation at Risk” into a ”Nation of Students.” It is important that all those who want to pursue a post-secondary education are able to do so, and very often student financial aid plays a major role in determining whether students can. Congress is in the process of reworking all student financial aid programs. It is vital to remember they are a key to bringing about a ”National of Students.”
I applaud the president and the education secretary for their vision.
