[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CHARACTER EDUCATION

  (Mr. CLEMENT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CLEMENT. Madam Speaker, later today I will be introducing with 
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) the Character Learning and Student 
Success Act. Society is growing increasingly concerned about the steady 
decline of our Nation's core ethical values, especially in our 
children.
  There exists in Tennessee and across the country successful character 
education programs that have improved school climate, reduced 
disruptive behavior and resulted in higher performing schools. However, 
no organization exists that can track these success stories, help 
schools identify their particular needs, and implement effective 
character education programs. That is why we are introducing the CLASS 
Act. This bill would establish a national center for character 
education that would provide the most up-to-date information about 
effective character education programs and aid schools in developing 
their own programs.
  Character education is becoming a national priority in the education 
reform debate. We want all of our children to be responsible, 
upstanding members of society. I believe that this legislation will 
help schools create environments where such values are fostered.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring 
this bill.

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