[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 87 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S6346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF THE YOUTH INVESTMENT PROGRAM OF THE TUKWILA SCHOOL 
                                DISTRICT

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, in February of 1999, I awarded my 
first Innovation in Education Award to the Tukwila School District for 
their ``Friends and Family Program.'' Now, over a year later, I am 
standing on the Senate floor again to recognize an innovative program 
in this same district, the Youth Investment Program at Cascade View 
Elementary. As both these awards indicate, great things are coming out 
of the Tukwila School District and this innovative summer school 
program is no exception.
  Teachers and educators at Cascade View Elementary realized that many 
of their students were in need of additional help to be ready for their 
upcoming school year. Cascade Valley wanted to take advantage of the 
summer months to target students who need extra help in reading, math, 
and writing skills. Thus, the Youth Investment Program was created. 
Last week, I visited with teachers and students from this program and 
witnessed first-hand the tremendous impact that it has on its students.
  In classes where approximately 22-percent of the students speak 
English as a second language and skill levels range across the board, 
these teachers have produced spectacular results in their students' 
academic achievements and social development.
  Michael Silver, Superintendent of the Tukwila District, says ``There 
is a high percentage of kids from different ethnic groups who are at 
different skill levels. Our program has been able to streamline their 
learning to catch them up for their new grade level.''
  The Youth Investment Program is also preparing students to succeed in 
the 21st century by incorporating computer training into many of the 
traditional academic subjects. The computer skills of each child are 
monitored throughout program. Teachers have also used computers to 
teach non-traditional courses such as drama and music which has enabled 
students and teachers to bring new meaning to the classroom. I am 
positive that these students will return to school in the fall not only 
equipped with renewed confidence but also with the skills and knowledge 
demanded by the new technology age.
  After spending a time with the students and teachers involved in the 
Youth Investment Program, it was not hard for me to see why the efforts 
of the Tukwila School District continue to stand out among local 
education in Washington State. Mr. President, the Youth Investment 
Program demonstrates once again that our local educators know how to 
meet the needs of their students. I applaud the work of the staff and 
teachers at Cascade View and I am pleased to present my 44th Innovation 
in Education Award to the Youth Investment Program.

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