Secretary Paige was joined by State Farm Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ed Rust, Jr., as well as more than 1,000 State Farm employees at the rally here today.

"Our nation has been called to commit itself to a bold goal of creating a system that insists on accountability and results, teacher quality and reading programs that work," Paige said. "This is a mission of the president's and mine. We are passionate about implementing these reforms because we know what a huge difference they will make. These reforms are improving the quality of education every boy and girl receives in our public schools."

"And, we'll need your help to get it done. We need every business leader, every parent, every teacher in every community to come together to help ensure every child in America receives the best possible education."

Paige also said these reforms come with historic resources. For example, increased federal education funding for New York to $3.6 billion -- $481 million more than last year and 37 percent more than 2000 levels -- and including:

• Increased Title I funding to $1.2 billion for New York's high-need schools — more than $258 million more than last year, and 47.3 percent more than 2000 levels;
• More than $68.4 million for the president's Reading First program in New York schools so every child learns to read;
• $229 million to train and keep highly qualified teachers in New York's classrooms;
• An estimated $37.8 million to help ensure safe and drug-free schools in New York;
• More than $29 million to fund after-school programs for at-risk children in New York; and
• More than $16 million to help New York school districts test and find out how well children are learning and schools are teaching.

"Reforms plus resources is what it takes to get the job done. We've got the reforms. We've got the resources. And now, taxpayers will know what they're getting for their money -- and moms and dads will know if their children are learning," Paige said.

The secretary kicked off his nationwide tour on April 8. In addition to today's visit, he has made visits in Albuquerque, N.M., Atlanta, Washington, Las Vegas, Nev., Southfield, Mich., Milwaukee, LaCrosse, Wis. and Pittsburgh. Other stops will be announced later.

The tour offers resources for parents and school officials about No Child Left Behind. Also launched during this tour is the new Web site www.NoChildLeftBehind.gov, a virtual one-stop shop for parents and families, teachers and principals, local and state officials, and members of the business and civic communities.

Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, states and school districts will develop strong systems of accountability based upon student performance. The new law also gives states and school districts increased local control and flexibility, removing federal red tape and bureaucracy and putting decision-making in the hands of educators and education leaders at the local and state levels. Parents of children from disadvantaged backgrounds will have options under the new law to participate in public school choice programs or obtain supplemental services such as tutoring. Teachers around the country will be encouraged to use teaching methods based on scientific research that shows they have been proven to work.

###

Top

Back to May 2002