    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 18, 1991]
    [Pages 394-395]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a National Education Strategy Briefing
    April 18, 1991

        Thank you all, and thank you for coming here to the White House. Let
    me just salute our Secretary of Education, Lamar Alexander, and say how
    much I'm relying on him. Not only has he and his new team formulated a
    plan that I think will be very well-received, but knowing him, he'll be
    driving us all to see that we follow through--something I'm determined
    to do. But I salute him.
        I had a meeting early on with the Governors who are here, and I
    thanked them. We're approaching this in a totally nonpartisan way. We
    have Democratic and Republican Governors in the meeting at the White
    House. They subsequently met with some of the business leaders who are
    here, and I salute them and thank them for taking the time in the
    leadership roles that they have undertaken. And I will salute the State
    legislators who are with us, our education community leaders, and other
    business leaders who didn't attend--some of the small business leaders
    and others who have been involved in this from the very beginning.
        So, we're dedicating this day, this kickoff day, to our new
    education strategy. And seeing everyone here tells me that there is a
    great sense of determination and support out there for what we'll be
    trying to do. There's a new optimism in this country, a renewal of a
    can-do spirit that made our country great. I can't think of a better
    reason to put this renewed sense of duty and confidence to work than for
    the sake of our children. Many of you have been doing that all your
    lives, and now the rest of us want to join in and do what we can to
    help.
        We're on our way. Many of you in this room, Lamar tells me, have
    taken the crucial first steps and started programs to rejuvenate an
    education system that wasn't living up to our expectations. We've
    already moved beyond the days of issuing report after report about the
    dismal state of our schools. We don't need any more of those. Today
    we're trying to put the focus on the future and do something about this
    state of affairs.
        This afternoon, I'll unveil an aggressive and innovative new
    education strategy. Some of you already know this, and maybe some don't,
    so let me just summarize for you the strategy in just a few sentences.
    For today's students, we must make existing schools better and more
    accountable. For tomorrow's students--that's the next generation--we
    must create a new generation of American schools. For all of us--for the
    adults who think our school days are over--we've got to become a nation
    of students, to recognize that learning is a lifelong process. Finally,
    outside our schools, we must cultivate communities where learning can
    happen. This strategy will bring us even closer to making sure that
    America's children receive the best education in the world.
        We're not afraid of new ideas. And there are a lot of great ideas
    out there, out in the States and the cities and the communities, in the
    education and business communities. My job is to do everything in my
    power to give these ideas a chance. With Secretary Alexander and his
    strong new team, and with all of you, I think we're on our way to an
    exciting new chapter. I like to think of it as a true renaissance in
    American education.
        All of you are also proof that this new education strategy just
    begins with our

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    schools, that our dedication doesn't end when the bell rings at the end
    of every school day. Every single American has a stake in what we're
    starting today, and I am confident that we'll rise to the challenge.
        Forty or fifty years from now, some fifth or sixth grader who's
    sitting in a classroom somewhere in America today will be standing here
    in my place. Because of the commitment that I am told exists in the
    Department of Education, here in this room, in the various communities
    represented, whether it's the Governors or business or some in labor so
    interested in all of this, or the State legislators--because of that
    commitment, I know in my heart that that person--she or he--will have
    had every opportunity that this great country has to offer.
        So, let's go to work. I know we can do it. And I'm with you all the
    way. Thank you so very much for your involvement. And may God bless this
    effort and our great country. Thank you all.

                        Note: The President spoke at 11:23 a.m. in Room 450
                            of the Old Executive Office Building. In his
                            remarks, he referred to Secretary of Education
                            Lamar Alexander.