More Resources Press Release

Thank you, John Hager, for that kind introduction. It was just over three years ago that President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law with broad bipartisan support. The following day, I, along with many of you, gathered here at the home of our first president to welcome in this new era of accountability and higher standards in education. The historic setting of the meeting reminded each of us that we were witnessing history. On that day, I came as a representative of Arkansas, which like every state had a responsibility for crafting its own individual accountability plan under No Child Left Behind.

To imagine the impact of the setting on me, you have to remember I was a tourist back then. I remember having dinner with my fellow chiefs beneath the famous portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale. Just as Washington forged a new nation with strength and dignity, No Child Left Behind gives strength and dignity to the efforts of our nation's teachers and students. A copy of that picture of George Washington, along with a group photograph of the chiefs who attended that day, hangs in my office as a reminder of the great promise we made—a promise to leave no child behind. That's why we chose to meet here again today as we take another historic step in this law's maturation.

As with any new initiative, the first few years are very important. It's important to establish a structure within which to operate and to maintain a sense of order and direction. At the same time, it's important to leave room for creative thought and for the best ideas to take shape. Many of the most innovative and effective ideas came from your own states. I have seen this process from both the federal and state perspectives, and I know we all have learned a lot over the last three years in looking for the best ways to help our teachers teach and our students learn.

I like to refer to these structural issues as ones of "form." So far, these "form" issues have, by necessity, consumed most of our time. First, states had to write accountability plans, set standards, develop assessments, and define Adequate Yearly Progress measures. Then federal officials had to review this work along with the many amendments the states subsequently submitted. And by the way, you should note that, due to the announcement the Secretary will make shortly, we have extended the deadline for finalizing any changes that you might wish to apply to this year's testing cycle to mid-May.

We debated and sometimes disagreed over what form your plans should take, and that was a healthy, constructive conversation to have, so long as we remember there can be no debate about the law's ultimate goal. That goal remains ensuring every child reads and does math on grade level. And that's where our focus needs to remain.

Today, Secretary Spellings will announce plans for taking the next logical step to achieve the promise of No Child Left Behind. These changes will help us address and clarify "form" issues without distracting us from the important big picture questions: Are more students learning? And is the achievement gap closing? Those should be the first two questions we ask any state. And the only way to know is to annually assess every student every year and disaggregate the data.

This formula is already producing impressive results. Scores are rising, and the achievement gap is closing. The success testifies to the hard work of the teachers and students in schools across your states. That's why it's crucial that we keep listening to leaders and educators on the state and local level. You have the best perspective of what's happening on the ground, what works, and what needs to work better.

We need to focus on achieving results and that begins by using the best science and following a bit of common sense. And I need to close now, so that Secretary Spellings can unveil a new plan that does both. We're looking forward to continuing our partnership with you to provide every child with a quality education in a way that honors and respects the hard work of our teachers and students. Together, we can achieve the promise of this law. It's an honor to be here with you today.

Thank you.

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