STATEMENT FROM ROD PAIGE
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK — NOVEMBER 15-19, 2004

Washington, DC
October 27, 2004

I am pleased to invite you to participate in International Education Week, November 15-19, 2004, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The theme this year, "International Education: The Role of International Relationships and Cooperation," marks the fifth annual commemoration of International Education Week.

Earlier this year, our nation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Brown effectively denied the legal basis for segregation in classrooms and changed race relations in the United States. This decision is a constant reminder to many Americans of the value of educational opportunity. In addition, this decision was, and remains today, a statement of hope and expectation, a belief that people will rise above prejudice, ignorance, and classification to find our common humanity.

In the same way, teaching our students about the world beyond the United States and encouraging them to travel abroad, allows them to find the common humanity that binds all world citizens. When we form meaningful relationships with our friends around the world, we can work together and cooperate with one another to eliminate ignorance, hatred, and violence. It takes courage and conviction to step into a culture that is different from ours, and to immerse ourselves in languages and traditions that are unfamiliar to us.

The best way for any nation to move forward to nurture well-educated and enlightened citizens is through higher standards, better teachers and real accountability. This is one reason why we are implementing the No Child Left Behind Act. The ultimate aim of a comprehensive education system is to ensure that no child is left in the shadows, that no child is ignored or excluded or disrespected, no matter where the child lives. Justice requires that every school teach every child in America and in the world.

Brown broke down racial barriers and opened the doors of our schools. Now we must continue to break down barriers and stereotypes to learn about the world around us. Education is the foundation of a fully functional society. Education is the path to a better future. A thriving national and international economic policy is dependent on sound national educational policy. Together, we can work to help transform our educational system to make it better able to provide every single child with a quality education that will give them the skills to be successful world citizens.

Now, 50 years after Brown v. Board of Education, we have a different path ahead of us. In this new millennium, we truly live in an interconnected world. Although we have made great strides forward, we do our students a great disservice if we do not prepare them for a global environment by encouraging them to study foreign languages and cultures.

International Education Week 2004 is a time to commemorate and celebrate international education, international exchanges, international relationships and cooperation. I hope you have an enriching experience this November 15-19.

Rod Paige
October 27, 2004

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