    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 20, 1997]
    [Pages 1400-1401]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Radio Remarks on Voluntary National Testing for Basic Education Skills
    October 20, 1997

        A new study released by the Department of Education today confirms
    what most of us knew instinctively already: Students, especially low
    income students, who challenge themselves with rigorous math and science
    courses in high school are much more likely to go on to college.

    [[Page 1401]]

        I've worked hard to make college affordable for all Americans. Our
    increased Pell grants and work-study positions, the new HOPE scholarship
    tax credits for the first 2 years of college, and other tax credits in
    education IRA's for the remaining years, graduate school, and other
    training, all these will truly open the doors of college to all who are
    willing to work for it.
        We've addressed the economic barriers. Now we have to tackle the
    academic ones. While the studies show that taking algebra in middle
    school was essential to preparing for advanced math and science classes,
    just 25 percent of our eighth graders took algebra in 1996. We must do
    better. That's why I call upon all Americans to support our voluntary
    national tests for fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math, to ensure
    that all our children meet the high standards of academic excellence
    they'll need to succeed in tomorrow's world. Our math test will make
    sure our children master algebra and prepare for math and science
    courses that lead to college.
        I call upon Congress to end the delays. Our children are counting on
    us.

    Note: These remarks were recorded at 9:43 a.m. on October 17 in Room
    2233 at the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for later
    domestic broadcast, and released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    October 20.