U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today issued the following statement on the introduction of House legislation to reauthorize the Head Start Act:

"President Bush and I are committed to improving educational results for all students. Research tells us that a child's early years are critical to ensuring academic and social success in school and beyond.

"I commend Chairman Boehner and Rep. Castle for introducing the School Readiness Act of 2003. This legislation will improve Head Start programs for our nation's children and ensure that Head Start children enter school prepared to learn. This legislation also provides a unique opportunity for federal, state and local governments to work together and coordinate early childhood education programs at the local level. This coordination will provide children with the pre-reading and pre-math skills they need before they enter kindergarten. And Head Start children will continue to receive the comprehensive services already provided within the program's existing framework.

"This legislation is an important step in the president's goal of no child left behind, and I applaud Chairman Boehner and Rep. Castle for their leadership and their unwavering commitment to America's children."

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