[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 Internet Accessibility in Classrooms
March 1, 1999

    Vice President Gore and I have set a goal of connecting every 
classroom in America to the Internet by the year 2000. Today I am 
pleased to announce that new Department of Education data show that more 
than half of all classrooms are connected--nearly twice as many 
connections as last year. And thanks to new E-rate discounts that help 
schools and libraries connect to the Internet, we will reach our goal by 
the year 2000.
    Computers, the Internet, and educational software can make a real 
difference in the way teachers teach and students learn. Because of our 
efforts, children in the most isolated inner city or rural town will 
have access to the same universe of knowledge as a child in the most 
affluent suburb. Parents will be able to communicate more frequently 
with teachers and keep up with the progress of their child in school. 
Our children will be ``technologically literate'' and better prepared 
for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future. But we must also make 
sure that teachers are as comfortable with a computer as they are with 
the chalkboard. That is why Congress should support my $800 million 
educational technology initiative, including more than $100 million to 
train teachers in the latest technology.
    By giving our children the skills they need to succeed in the jobs 
of the future, we will build a stronger nation for the 21st century. I 
particularly want to thank Vice President Gore, who has done so much to put the future at the fingertips 
of our children.