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Tampa, FL — Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings discussed with business leaders, teachers, students and parents the importance of the No Child Left Behind Act and its reauthorization this year.

The No Child Left Behind Act shines a spotlight on the nation's achievement gap and works to ensure that every child in America, regardless of race, income or zip code, receives a quality education.

In a roundtable discussion with local business leaders, Secretary Spellings commended the business community for their important role in ensuring America's students are prepared for college and the workforce.

"For the business community, competitiveness is a critical issue; especially considering the private sector is the largest consumer of talent coming out of our nation's schools," Spellings said. "With 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs requiring post-secondary education or training, a college degree has never been more important."

Secretary Spellings also visited Dunbar Magnet School, where curriculum is infused with themes such as math, science, art, music, and foreign language. Dunbar is a Gifted and Talent Development Academy whose teachers are selected by committee and receive extensive training.

"With No Child Left Behind, our nation made a promise to have every student learning on grade level by 2014. Every day, you're proving it can be done," Secretary Spellings said to children, parents and teachers. "By emphasizing math, science, and rigor at Dunbar, you are helping equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed."

Florida fourth graders recently achieved their highest math and reading scores in the history of the Nation's Report Card. Between 2003-2005, more than 22,000 Florida eighth graders gained fundamental math skills, and 14,000 gained challenging reading skills.

Secretary Spellings also discussed the importance of charter schools and expanding school choice options for students in low-performing schools.

"President Bush and I want to make it easier for more students across the country to follow your example," she said. "Under our plan, parents of students in struggling schools would have the option of sending their children to a better-performing school of their choice."

Just weeks ago, the President's budget proposed $300 million for Promise Scholarships ($250 million) and Opportunity Scholarships ($50 million) to expand school choice options for students in low-performing schools.

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