    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 1, 2001]
    [Page 1059]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1059]]

    The President's Radio Address
    September 1, 2001

        Good morning. On Monday, Americans will celebrate Labor Day. It's a
    day to salute the most productive person on Earth, the American worker.
        Whether you work on a farm, in an office, or on a factory floor,
    whether you design computer chips, build houses, or teach school,
    whether you're just starting out or whether you built your own company
    from nothing, your Nation thanks you for your labor.
        American productivity has risen so high because Americans work hard
    and because they work smart. When Congress recognized the Labor Day
    holiday in 1894, most of this country's jobs demanded only a strong back
    and willing hands. Today, good jobs demand math skills, technical
    knowledge, and fluent reading.
        The progress of our economy and the future of our children starts in
    the classroom. And that's why education must be our Nation's highest
    priority.
        At this time of year, many of our children have already returned to
    school, and others are about to return. Congress, too, is returning from
    its summer recess, and it left behind some unfinished business, my
    education reform plan. Different versions of this plan have passed the
    House and the Senate. Congress should now produce a single bill that
    incorporates the strong reforms I have proposed.
        It is vital that this bill uphold clear standards, require regular
    testing, and provide real accountability. Our children need the help my
    education plan will provide, a new commitment to reading and early
    intervention to catch those who fall behind.
        Our educators need to get ready for the new accountability era
    that's coming to our schools. The more swiftly Congress acts, the more
    time educators will have to prepare. If Congress delays to play
    political games, they put another generation of students at risk.
        The education reform bill I support offers new resources to schools.
    In return, it calls for improvements in math and reading, proven by
    testing, from every school in America. Higher standards will lead to
    higher quality education; yet, meeting those standards will require
    careful planning in local districts. Every day counts, and the sooner we
    start, the better. We want to start adopting reforms this school year so
    they can be up and running by the beginning of next school year. We've
    made good progress. Now we must finish the job.
        There is always something exciting about the new school year, the
    eager faces, the new books and shoes, scrubbed hallways. It's a new
    start and a new opportunity. That's true for students; it's true for
    teachers; and it's true for Congress.
        I'm looking forward to welcoming Congress back to Washington and
    back to work. Together we can make this a year of accomplishment. I
    challenge the Congress: Send me a good education reform bill to sign,
    and send it quickly, so that our children will return next year to
    schools that prepare them for good jobs through many Labor Days to come.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 1:40 p.m. on August 31 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September 1. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    August 31 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.