[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   RECOGNITION OF THE C-STARS PROGRAM

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today, I am proud to honor and 
recognize the Center for the Study and Teaching of At-Risk Students [C-
STARS] in the West Valley School District for innovation and excellence 
in education.
  While at home over the January recess, I organized a meeting of over 
200 parents, teachers, administrators, and students. At this conference 
I listened carefully to the concerns and ideas of those in attendance. 
While I heard many varied and different suggestions, one theme was 
constant. Innovative and resourceful programs which educators work hard 
to plan and execute deserve more recognition. I therefore promised to 
recognize, on a monthly basis, a school or school program that is 
outstanding and innovative. The implementation of the C-STARS program 
in Spokane WA is worthy of such recognition.
  The Center for the Study and Teaching of At-Risk Students is a 
division of the Institute for the Study of Educational Policy located 
at the University of Washington and the College of Education at 
Washington State University. The mission of C-STARS is to channel 
interdisciplinary university research, training and technical 
assistance in support of school, social, and health services efforts to 
collectively redefine and redirect services to families with students 
at risk of school failure.
  The key to the success of the C-STARS program is the cooperation and 
dedication of service between the agencies, schools, and families. In 
the West Valley School District in Spokane, over 40 agencies such as 
the Spokane County Health District, Red Cross, Teen Aid, Job Corps, 
Child Protective Services, and the Salvation Army, participate in this 
collaborative effort to assist at-risk youth. The community involvement 
in the C-STARS program is truly exceptional. Programs such as this are 
the key to the future of education.
  The Center for the Study and Teaching of At-Risk Students in the West 
Valley School District should continue to be promoted throughout 
Washington State, as well as the entire United States. Recognizing that 
a problem exists and taking the initiative to develop successful 
programs is the key to improving our education system.

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