[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 39 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Pages 1251-1252]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the National Assessment of Educational Progress

September 25, 2007

    Earlier today, the 2007 Nation's Report Card, also known as the 
National Assessment of Educational Progress, was released. The news is 
outstanding. Eighth graders achieved their highest scores ever in math, 
while fourth graders set records in both reading and math. African 
American and Hispanic students posted alltime highs in a number of 
categories, which represents progress toward closing the achievement 
gap.

[[Page 1252]]

    These scores confirm that No Child Left Behind is working and 
producing positive results for students across the country. Since No 
Child Left Behind became law in 2002, the States have been setting 
standards and holding schools accountable for ensuring that every child 
can read and do math at grade level. We are successfully challenging the 
soft bigotry of low expectations and continuing to make significant 
progress in reforming our schools.
    As we commemorate the integration 50 years ago of Central High 
School in Little Rock, Arkansas, we are reminded of the sacrifices 
students and their families have made in pursuit of a better education. 
Today's results demonstrate America's progress in making their dreams a 
reality, but we have more work to do. Now is not the time to turn back 
the clock on educational accountability and real options for parents, 
which No Child Left Behind provides.
    The successes detailed in the Nation's Report Card highlight the 
importance of reauthorizing No Child Left Behind. I have proposed a 
number of ways to improve the law, by increasing flexibility, helping 
struggling schools, and empowering parents with more choices. I look 
forward to continuing to work with lawmakers of both parties to 
strengthen this important law.