[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 27 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Page 1576]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Funding To Hire Highly Qualified Teachers

June 30, 2000

    Today Secretary Riley announced the award of $1.3 billion to 
continue on the path to hiring 100,000 new, highly qualified teachers as 
part of my class size reduction program. These funds will allow States 
to place more high-quality teachers in smaller classes in the early 
grades, so that approximately 1.7 million children can receive the 
personal and academic support they need. The Vice President and I have a 
longstanding commitment to ensure that all children have access to a 
first-class education, and these grants provide support to State and 
local communities to work toward this goal by investing in what works. 
Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress are rejecting this proven 
strategy of investing in what works and insisting on accountability for 
results in favor of unfocused block grants with little or no 
accountability. I urge Congress to reverse its recent actions and enact 
full funding to reduce class sizes in the early grades, strengthen 
accountability and turn around failing schools, expand before-school and 
after-school opportunities, assist low income students in preparing for 
college, help bridge the digital divide, improve teacher quality, and 
expand English language/civics education programs for adults.

 Note:  This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.