[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 82nd annual 
celebration of American Education Week, a time for us to acknowledge 
and praise the important role of education for our social and economic 
future. In the United States, the public school system provides the 
backbone of our youth's education, a system that deserves our active 
support and continued respect.
   In 1919 the American Legion and the National Education Association 
joined together in concern over illiteracy rates among World War I 
draftees. The two groups agreed to support a national effort to 
increase awareness of the importance of education. The first American 
Education Week was observed from December 4-10, 1921. In many parts of 
our state, literacy remains a great challenge, and the need for a 
strong public education system is more important than ever.
   Each year American Education Week focuses on a different issue; this 
year's theme is ``Great Public Schools for Every Child-America's 
Promise.'' The week's co-sponsors include the United States Department 
of Education, National PTA, and various national educator associations.
   Every child deserves the opportunity to attend a quality public 
school where he or she can learn and excel in a safe, stable 
environment. Students should receive an education that teaches not only 
practical skills and specific knowledge, but that also passes down our 
nation's core values. Public schools nurture American traditions such 
as tolerance, freedom, and equality that create productive citizens.
   Public schools in Texas continue to show great progress in many 
areas. According to statistics compiled by the NEA, Texas ranks in the 
top ten states for 4th graders scoring well in math tests. More and 
more Texas schools are offering advanced placement courses, and Texas 
now ranks first in the nation for the proportion of students taking 
advanced math courses. Texas stands among the top four states 
nationally for the percentage of public primary schools offering 
foreign language immersion. Excellence in math and language are not 
only important personal education skills, but they are critical to our 
future economic growth.
   At the same time, challenges remain. The Administration and the 
Congress have failed to make the financial investments needed to expand 
the areas of progress and provide the quality education needed by all 
of America's children. Elementary schools in Texas are overcrowded and 
many are desperately in need of major repairs. Quality teachers, our 
most valuable educational resources, are becoming more and more 
difficult to recruit and retain.
   Despite the promise to leave no child behind, the current federal 
leadership has adopted policies that break the commitments to reform 
and accountability in the No Child Left Behind Act. Rural and inner 
city schools will suffer the most, as will children with special needs 
and challenges. The President's budget and congressional appropriations 
are underfunding the No Child Left Behind Act by as much as $8 billion. 
Similarly, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 
remains woefully underfunded, leaving states and school districts with 
the burden of complying with the important federal goal of providing a 
public education to all students.
   This lack of funding contributes directly to the problems facing 
Texas schools and schools across the Nation: larger classes, schools 
closing earlier, cutting out after school and summer programs, and 
laying off teachers and staff. What is the response to this starvation 
diet by the Administration and congressional leaders? Private school 
vouchers . . . Blame the public schools for meeting standards without 
providing resources to comply . . . Failure to make the commitment to 
provide all students, of all backgrounds and needs, with the education 
they deserve and we as a society need.
   The best investment in America's future is an investment in our 
children's education. We should take this week to give special 
attention to promoting quality in our nation's public schools; however, 
our vigilance should not end this week, but continue until every child 
has the chance to realize his or her educational potential.

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