Edward M. Kennedy: “Mr. President, it is appropriate that we are taking up the School-to-Work Opportunities Act as we complete action on the…”

“Mr. President, it is appropriate that we are taking up the School-to-Work Opportunities Act as we complete action on the Goals 2000 legislation, because the two measures closely complement each other. Together, they form the foundation for far-reaching reform in education system and in training our work force. Building a world class work force starts with world class schools and education. The Goals 2000 Act recognizes that we need to set high standards for all students and schools, and provide incentives and opportunities to help them meet those standards. But the education and training of the work force cannot end at the schoolhouse door. In the highly competitive global economy in which we operate, education and training must be viewed as an ongoing process that continues throughout each worker's working life. The School-to-Work Opportunities Act addresses a major deficiency in our current education and training system--the lack of a coherent system to help students in school prepare for the world of work.”