    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 6 (Monday, February 13, 2006)]
    [Page 191]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Visit to the School of Science and Engineering in
    Dallas, Texas

    February 3, 2006

        First of all, it's such an honor to be here at this school. Thank
    you all for coming. Every good school requires a couple of things: one,
    a good principal--thank you for doing that--and great teachers and good
    support. That's a super tie; thanks for being here.
        Laura and I are here because we believe it's important to spread AP
    classes all around the country. This is a unique place. The students
    here are really impressive people. They have decided to focus on the
    sciences and math and engineering. And this school helps lift their
    sights--and one way it does so is to encourage them to take AP.
        We want more AP students because we want more engineers and
    scientists that are able to compete with other students around the
    world. And so one thing the Government can do is help train 70,000
    teachers all around the country so that they can teach students Advanced
    Placement.
        We also want to encourage scientists and chemists and physicists to
    come into the classrooms all around the country to excite students about
    the possibilities of science and engineering. And the reason why is, in
    order for America to be a competitive nation in the years to come, we
    have got to have a workforce that is strong in engineering and science
    and physics. You know, some would hope that the competition around the
    world will go away--it's not going to. And so we have a choice to make:
    Do we want to retreat, become protectionist, or do we want to seize the
    moment and shape our future?
        And so the American Competitiveness Initiative I've outlined says
    that America will continue to lead; we'll shape our future; and we'll
    make sure our kids are well-versed in science and math and engineering.
        Again, I want to thank you all for letting us come to your school.
    It's a fantastic school. It really does brighten my hopes about the
    future of the country to see you all and see your enthusiasm for the
    subjects and to listen to your very articulate explanations of the
    different courses you're studying. Thanks a lot. Appreciate it.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:13 p.m. at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview
    Magnet Center. In his remarks, he referred to Richard White, principal,
    the School of Science and Engineering. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks. This item was not received
    in time for publication in the appropriate issue.