[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                NET DAYS

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, last year Massachusetts was ranked 48th 
in the Nation in networked classrooms. Only 30 percent--700 out of our 
more than 2,400 schools--had adequate computer technology and wiring. 
In a State with such a critical mass of knowledge-based industries 
requiring a highly-trained, highly skilled work force, this was 
unacceptable.
  So in May 1996, we created the MassNetworks Educational Partnership 
as a nonprofit collaborative effort to assist our schools in becoming 
wired to the Internet, and to coordinate what are now called NetDays 
not only in Massachusetts but all across the country.
  We began this effort, to be sure, with an advantage over most other 
States. Our information technology industries have grown rapidly in 
recent years. We enjoy strong labor unions and highly dedicated 
teachers, principals and superintendents, which have combined their 
expertise to allow us to accomplish much in a brief amount of time.
  For our two State NetDays since last May, we have had more than 
14,000 volunteers help wire over 800 additional schools in 
Massachusetts. These volunteers, aided by 15 million dollars' worth of 
donated and discounted goods, services, and technical support, already 
have had an enormous impact on the future of Massachusetts. We have 
truly become a model to the Nation.
  However, this effort is not limited to these two NetDays, and we are 
far from finished. All across the State, parents, children, educators, 
labor leaders, businesspeople, public servants, and others who care so 
deeply about education will be continuing to work together to wire more 
schools, train more teachers and install more hardware throughout the 
rest of the school year and summer.
  The investment we are making will continue to pay off in better 
results in our schools--students with sharper skills, improved grades, 
lower absenteeism, improved grades, reduced drop-out rates, and 
improved standards of living when they enter the work force. Studies 
show that in the year 2000, 70 percent all new jobs will require the 
type of high-technology skills that only 20 percent of our work force 
currently possess. If we are to succeed in our endeavor, we must 
prepare our children with the knowledge they need to be competitive in 
the next century.
  Toward that end, I will work to help Massachusetts be the first State 
in the Nation to meet President Clinton's goal of wiring all of 
America's schools to the Internet by the year 2000.
  The Internet is the ticket to the information superhighway. The 
effort taking place in Massachusetts is putting this incredible 
resource within reach of all students. I strongly commend all those 
involved.
  Education is one of the best investments we can make in the future of 
this State, and wiring students to the Internet is one of the wisest 
forms our investment can take. The Internet is the blackboard of the 
21st century, and we should be prepared to use it to the fullest of our 
capability. The Internet is the newest world of information, and the 
newest frontier to conquer. Much like the shot heard around the world, 
our dedication to our students must be heard all over the globe.
  Ultimately, the strength of this effort comes not from computers and 
wire, but from our ability to help schools teach and help students 
learn in new ways. I am confident that we will make the most of the 
tremendous opportunity that is at hand.

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