    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 1, 1999]
    [Page 285]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Proposed ``Education Accountability Act''
    March 1, 1999

        Today's news of improvement in achievement for students in high-
    poverty schools is welcome, but we must not rest until all students meet
    the challenging standards we set for them. That is why I urge Senators
    in both parties not only to support this week's vote to put 100,000 new,
    well-prepared teachers in the classroom but also to enact my ``Education
    Accountability Act.'' This act will help move our education system
    forward by ensuring that States and school districts end social
    promotion, phase out the use of unqualified teachers, turn around low-
    performing schools, provide parents with report cards on schools, and
    implement effective discipline policies. While our education reform
    efforts are clearly headed in the right direction, we must take these
    important steps to close the gap between students and increase the pace
    of reform.