[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H8382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EDUCATION

  (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, last week Bob Dole gave an education 
speech in Minneapolis during which he said that public schools are 
being driven into the ground by bureaucrats and teachers.
  First of all, if Bob Dole wants to know what is going on in public 
schools he ought to visit a few--and talk to parents and teachers who 
are struggling to help students become knowledgeable and productive 
citizens in tomorrow's world.
  I would like to suggest that he visit Pontiac Central High School 
where this year a team of corporate engineers, students, and teachers 
designed and built an innovative robot that won first place in a 
nationwide competition of 73 teams. If Bob Dole were to visit a school 
like Pontiac Central High he might not see just problems, he might see 
what the teachers and the scientific and engineering community of 
Pontiac see--children with promise.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Dole should use his campaign to encourage public 
schools as they strive for excellence and innovation. He should join 
with the leaders of business and industry who are calling for a renewed 
commitment to public schools. Above all, he should not squander that 
opportunity by condemning the legacy of public education and demonizing 
those people who commit themselves to educating children in a 
pluralistic society--our Nation's classroom teachers.

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