[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: January 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     EDUCATION DAY IN RHODE ISLAND

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, on Monday of this week I had the opportunity 
to join Deputy Education Secretary Madeline Kunin and members of the 
Rhode Island congressional delegation in a most exciting and worthwhile 
education day in my home State. I call it an education day not simply 
because of the education events that took place but because of the 
immense amount of education each of us received that day.
  We began with a visit to the Grove Elementary School in East 
Providence. That school is literally in love with learning, and it is a 
love that extends to and involves everyone--administrators, teachers, 
parents, and students. Parents are very involved in the education of 
their children at Grove Elementary. They are an integral part of the 
very management of the school and the educational programs it offers. 
Administrators and teachers are enthusiastic, not only about their jobs 
but also about having a strong working relationship with parents and a 
close involvement in the teaching of the children who attend Grove 
Elementary.
  From East Providence we went to Hope High School in Providence. This 
is a school that has faced extremely difficult problems in the past, a 
place where learning was difficult, where the safety of students and 
teachers was at question, where the community saw the school as a 
threat, and where the atmosphere of learning was literally under siege.
  To say that the situation has changed is an understatement. Under the 
leadership of a team of extremely talented and devoted teachers and 
administrators, the school is literally being turned around. Parents 
are involved in the education of their children. The community around 
the school is being brought into the school and the school is reaching 
out to the community to forge a spirit of respect and cooperation.
  Today, an atmosphere of learning has returned to Hope High School. 
Students show up on time and stay in school because they want to learn. 
Dignity and respect are becoming the hallmarks of education at Hope 
High, something that extends not just to the physical facilities but 
most important, to teachers, administrators, and students.
  At a working luncheon with teachers from NEA/Rhode Island and the 
Rhode Island Teacher Federation, we had a frank discussion of the 
problems that teachers face and the concerns they have about building a 
strong system of education throughout Rhode Island. That discussion 
reinforced what we had already learned at Grove Elementary and Hope 
High, namely that teachers need resources if they are to succeed. This 
means instructional materials and facilities. It means the opportunity 
for continued professional development. And, it means giving the 
teacher the time to focus on what and how they will teach.
  That evening, educational leaders from throughout Rhode Island came 
to Johnson and Wales University to meet and hear from Deputy Secretary 
Kunin. There were college presidents, school teachers, and 
administrators, business leaders, school committee members, college 
professors, and State legislators. What they heard from Deputy 
Secretary Kunin was a moving and compelling call to action, and an 
eloquent reinforcement that the future strength and health of our 
Nation depends upon the education and character of our people.
  Mr. President, we will soon undertake consideration of the Goals 2000 
legislation. When we move to debate that bill, I will have the memories 
of last Monday fresh in my mind. I know, however, that I am not alone. 
The exciting reform efforts occurring in my home State of Rhode Island 
are being duplicated in schools and communities throughout America. 
What we can and should do by enacting the Goals bill is spur education 
reform so that changes like the exciting things I saw occurring in 
Grove Elementary and Hope High will be brought to every school not only 
in Rhode Island but throughout America.

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