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"No Child Left Behind is working to provide a world-class education for America's children. And through UNESCO, we are helping other countries do the same for their children," U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said at the annual conference of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Spellings noted that this is the first meeting in nearly 20 years of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. The United States was among the first to ratify UNESCO's constitution, but left the organization in 1984 when UNESCO strayed from its mandate. The U.S. rejoined in 2003 after UNESCO underwent a series of management reforms and is now active in the organization. Spellings also explained the importance of education to UNESCO, noting that "Education is UNESCO's chief focus—it touches nearly everything that UNESCO does. That's why one of UNESCO's first acts in 1948 was to recommend universal, free primary education for its Member-States. In other words, education for all."

Pointing out the many things that UNESCO does to help promote education throughout the world, Spellings said: "UNESCO is helping to get millions of new textbooks into the hands of school children. UNESCO is helping countries emerging from conflict rebuild their education systems, develop quality curricula and train teachers. And it is working to bring literacy and life skills to our most challenged world neighbors so they can build a sustainable future that is hopeful, peaceful and prosperous."

Spellings noted the parallels between UNESCO's need to reform itself in the past few decades and America's need to also look inward towards reforming its educational system. "We knew we had to change—to bring back high standards, accountability, and a renewed focus on social inclusion. And change we have—led by the No Child Left Behind Act."

Spellings noted the positive results of the changes stating, "It's working. You can see the change in the numbers. The vast majority of states—73 percent, according to a 2005 Center on Education Policy study—report improved student achievement and a narrowing achievement gap."

"You believe in setting ambitious goals as well," Spellings said to the U.S. Commission members. "You're helping UNESCO carry out the Education for All effort, which has a goal of doubling literacy, eliminating gender disparities and providing full access to primary schools by the year 2015. With these reforms under way, the U.S. and UNESCO are ready to move forward together. We're ready to improve literacy throughout the world, to promote high standards and quality, to ensure social inclusion and access, and to stress the importance of sound measurement and data."

In closing, Spellings said, "We are looking not to the past, but to the bright future—ready to help promote locally developed solutions that respect a country's culture and sovereignty. And ready to set a good example here at home by ensuring that no child is left behind."

The full text of the secretary's remarks can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2005/06/06072005.html

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