[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORT STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 1997

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction 
of my resolution in support of voluntary educational standards of 
excellence. I urge my colleagues to join the 23 original cosponsors and 
myself in support of this important measure.
  This simple, straightforward resolution is a commonsense approach to 
improving education in this country. The American people strongly 
support educational standards of excellence so parents, teachers, 
students, and taxpayers will have the advantage of quality public 
schools. This Congress must go on record in support of high education 
standards.
  As the former two-term, elected superintendent of North Carolina's 
Department of Public Instruction, I know firsthand that aiming high and 
providing our teachers and students the tools they need to get the job 
done is the proven way to improve academic achievement. America needs 
educational standards of excellence, and the House must pass this 
important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, my resolution is strongly supported by the Council of 
Chief State School Officers, the American Legion, and other groups 
dedicated to providing a quality education to each and every child in 
this Nation. Our country's commitment to public education has been the 
great equalizer in this society. We must pass this resolution to 
strengthen and improve our public schools.
  I have worked with the administration in developing this resolution, 
and it can be supported by both Republican and Democratic Members of 
this House.
  Mr. Speaker, nothing is more important than our children. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution to 
encourage education standards of excellence for every school in 
America.

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