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In an historic milestone of education reform, President Bush today announced that every state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia now have in place new accountability plans outlining how they will achieve the bold goal of making sure no child in America is left behind. U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige joined the president for the announcement in the White House Rose Garden.

This morning, Secretary Paige approved the following state plans, in addition to the 35 plans already approved: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Virginia and Utah.

When the president took office, only 11 states were in compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1994.

"The era of low expectations is ending; a time of great hopes and proven results is arriving," President Bush said. "And together, we are keeping a pledge: Every child in America will learn, and no child will be left behind.

"The development of these plans involved a lot of hard work. Governors stepped up to the line, along with their education chiefs. I also want to thank the principals and teachers and parents on the frontlines who are working so hard to improve our public schools. Instead of throwing up your hands in despair, you decided to challenge the status quo and to help each child. On behalf of the nation, I want to thank all who are involved in America's public schools, all who demand excellence, for your service to our country."

The president hosted principals, students, teachers and state education chiefs for today's announcement. A complete list of the states represented at today's announcement follows at the end of this release.

"Never before has a president of the United States invested so much in the education of our children," Secretary Paige said. "And never before has our nation responded with such enthusiasm. Just as we as a nation have always pulled together to ensure our freedom, we are now pulling together to ensure our children are educated. Americans have heard President Bush's call for meaningful education reform so that no child is left behind, and they are joining forces with him to see that the mission is accomplished.

"But this is not the end -- it is the beginning," Paige added. "The extraordinary efforts of the states have laid the foundation for education improvement and accountability. The reforms of No Child Left Behind mean that, for the first time in history, every child in every school in every state in this country will have an education accountability plan for them -- and accountability means results."

No Child Left Behind is the landmark education reform law designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility, giving parents more options and teaching students based on what works.

Under the act's strong accountability provisions, states must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency. In addition, they must produce annual state and school district report cards that inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is run.

All states submitted draft accountability plans to the U.S. Department of Education by the Jan. 31 deadline. Following an initial review and technical assistance, if needed, the next step was onsite peer reviews of each state's proposed accountability plan. Teams of three peer reviewers -- independent, nonfederal education policy, reform or statistical experts -- conducted each peer review. Following a review of the team's consensus report, the department provided feedback to the state and worked to resolve any outstanding issues. Ultimately, Paige approved all the state plans.

State accountability plans will be posted online at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/CFP/csas/index.html.

For more information about the No Child Left Behind Act, go to www.nochildleftbehind.gov.

ATTENDEES AT ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPROVED STATE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY PLANS

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