[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 118 (Thursday, July 20, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S10436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        WEST VIRGINIA EDUCATION

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
and commend the counties of Mercer, Monroe, McDowell, Summers, Raleigh, 
and Wyoming in West Virginia and their commitment to participating in a 
parental involvement program called, Teachers Involving Parents 
Successfully [TIPS]. This program seeks to promote teachers working 
more closely with parents to help the children learn and succeed in 
school.
  Too often, we forget that the condition of children's lives and their 
future prospects largely reflects the well-being of their families. 
When family support is strong, stable, and loving, children have a 
sound basis for becoming caring and competent adults. In contrast, when 
parents are unable to give children the attention and support they need 
in the home and for school, children are less likely to achieve their 
full potential. As a result, many of our Nation's gravest social 
problems stem from problems in our families.
  However, Mr. President, there is genuine reason for hope and 
optimism. In my home State of West Virginia, under the leadership of 
local education officials, a new program is changing the lives of 
children and their families. Its development and expansion of 
community-based family support provides parents with the knowledge, 
skills, and support they need to work with their children and the 
school system. Its success has been achieved through a collaborative 
effort among State and Federal programs, including chapter I and other 
programs targeted for at-risk students, and private sector efforts in 
the community. Each month, 2,000 special education guides are 
distributed, as well as news releases, public service announcements, 
and radio reminders that focus the community on the need for parental 
involvement. Teacher training and support materials have also been 
provided to every school in a successful effort to coordinate teacher, 
parent, and child activity both inside and outside of school.
  When I was chairman of the bipartisan National Commission on 
Children, we urged individuals and the country as a whole to reaffirm a 
commitment to forming and supporting strong, stable families as the 
best environment for raising children. The West Virginia TIPS Program 
is an extension of that goal, and its success is a tribute to those 
counties that have worked so hard to insure its development. The 
parents, children, and teachers in these counties are providing new 
opportunities for children and families. Their commitment to make a 
difference has ensured the success of the family, which is the best 
strategy for helping our children. They deserve our support and best 
wishes for continued success.


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