[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E475]]
  TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE 
              HEARING ON H.R. 1, ``NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LAMAR S. SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I submit my testimony regarding H.R. 
1 the No Child Left Behind Act. Thank you for the opportunity to 
testify on H.R. 1, the ``No Child Left Behind'' bill.
  The President has made this legislation a priority because Americans 
are concerned about the quality of their children's education. They are 
also troubled about the decline in our nation's values and its effect 
on our children. Polls consistently reveal that virtue and ethics are 
issues of top concern. Parents should be the primary developers of 
character but educators play an increasingly important role.
  Unfortunately, too many of our children are bombarded daily by 
negative influences. Society pays the price when we mock values. To 
reap the rewards of a virtuous society, we must sow the seeds of 
character when we educate children.
  Communities across the nation recognize that character education is 
an integral part of a well-rounded curriculum. Our Nation's teachers 
are aware that character education helps to establish a set of 
standards for behavior, provide role models, and create caring 
environments. For instance, many students in Texas participate in 
character education programs and the lessons they learn now will serve 
them well in the future.
  President Bush has made character education an important component of 
his education reform bill. By allocating $25 million to character 
education, States, local education agencies, parents and students will 
have an opportunity to promote character and values.
  However, there are additional steps to be taken if we are to be
  This legislation provides a grant to develop initiatives and 
disseminate up-to-date information about character education and also 
funds a study that will examine whether or not character education 
programs are successful and sustainable.
  H.R. 1 calls for states to base their character education efforts on 
the findings of scientific research, yet educational experts have not 
been given the opportunity to develop those sound scientific 
conclusions. It is not even known where and how character education has 
found its greatest success. To support character education in its 
entirety, we must include research and the dissemination of useful 
information.
  In our changing and challenging world, children need affirmation that 
society respects men and women of character. It is imperative that we 
teach our children the values that strengthen their character and make 
our country strong.

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