[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 50 (Monday, December 14, 1998)]
[Page 2463]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the National Education Goals Report

December 10, 1998

    Today's release of the annual National Education Goals Report shows 
that America has made some progress toward achieving the National 
Education Goals but still has a long way to go. If we are going to reach 
these goals, we must strengthen accountability and raise standards for 
students, teachers, and schools. I will continue to press Congress to 
help give our students smaller classes, well-prepared teachers, and 
modernized school buildings. I will continue my efforts to expand access 
to early childhood programs, increase public school choice, make our 
schools safe, disciplined, and drug free, open the doors of college 
education, and help Americans engage in lifelong learning.
    I am pleased at the progress that the report shows in helping our 
young children arrive at school ready to learn, improving student 
achievement in math, and increasing the participation of women and 
minorities in math and science in higher education. Those responsible 
for such gains--parents and teachers, local and State education 
officials, colleges and universities, the business community, and 
students themselves--should be proud of what they have accomplished.
    But we must do more. Education is a local function, a State 
responsibility, and a national priority. The National Education Goals 
define excellence in education, and Americans at all levels must 
redouble our efforts to meet them.