[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING CONSTITUTION WEEK AND CIVIC EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL R. McNULTY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, this November millions of young people will 
take part in one of our most cherished American traditions, a 
cornerstone of citizenship, when they exercise their right to vote. As 
we celebrate Constitution Week, I'd like to encourage the members of 
this body, and teachers and parents everywhere to promote quality civic 
education. I am particularly encouraged by one national effort that 
seeks to promote that very goal in our schools.
  Around this time last year, the first annual Congressional Conference 
on Civic Education was launched, sponsored by the Alliance for 
Representative Democracy and co-hosted by the four leaders of this and 
the other body.
  The conference established delegations that returned to their states 
to enact specific policies to restore the oft-overlooked civic mission 
of our schools. I commend Russell Sage College Professor Stephen 
Schechter, and the other members of the New York State delegation, for 
their leadership to improve civic education in our state.
  Our state delegation has joined with the New York State Education 
Department to convene a series of Civics Summits to identify our most 
pressing needs in civic education. They have brought together a 
consortium of over 25 governmental and nongovernmental organizations to 
determine how best to meet these needs, designed an action plan 
focusing on the importance of teacher training, and sought out funding 
from the private sector to begin their important work.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the New York State civic education 
delegation and wish them continued success when they participate in the 
Second Annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education in December.

                          ____________________