The future of America is being shaped in the classrooms of today. As a school trustee in a district of 15,000 kids, I know firsthand what an effective leader George W. Bush has been for my state of Texas. He has a proven record of improving test scores for all children in the state by promoting high standards, local control and strict accountability.
The accountability issue is especially important, as it is embraced by all groups here–parents, administrators, teachers and board members–for the knowledge it provides us. It is our most important tool to inform instruction and to keep any child from being left behind.
Since Governor Bush took office, our district’s scores have improved from 74.3 percent passing reading to 90.3 percent, and from only 55.8 percent passing math to 90.5 percent passing.
The other candidate admits that America’s schools are not what they should be and promises to fix them. Yet he has been vice president during the past 7 1/2 years and has shown no leadership on education. Now he is asking us for a promotion. I believe in ending social promotion. And that means because Vice President Gore has not learned his lessons, he should not be promoted to the next grade level.
George W. Bush is the one candidate running for president who knows how to improve our schools. He has done it for Texas, and he will get it done for America.
