Bill Clinton: “Last week, I went up to Worcester, Massachusetts, and released there this handbook that Secretary Riley and Attorney…”

“Last week, I went up to Worcester, Massachusetts, and released there this handbook that Secretary Riley and Attorney General Reno did for all the schools on trying to identify children that have problems and trying to prevent things from happening before they go too far. But I tried to emphasize to them that the schools--still, schools are basically the safest places in the country for our kids. But when something goes wrong, it can be terribly tragic. But I think it's important that the American people know that most schools have people like you in them and other people who are really working hard to do their part to help the children grow up in a safe, secure environment so they can learn. And I know Secretary Riley--he mentioned the character education program; he's been promoting that and worked hard for it ever since we've been here, and I thank him. What about the teachers? It's about time we heard--[inaudible]. [First grade teacher Martha Bell noted that teachers looked at the challenges of each individual student and tried to learn how best to communicate with the parents. She stressed the need to convince middle school and high school students of the rewards of a career in teaching and urged more funding for higher education.]”