Political Quotes

“I want to say that I had an amendment, as the gentleman knows, very similar to his which I have discussed with the committee, and which I have discussed with the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling] as well. Like the gentleman from Wyoming, I will not offer that amendment, but like him, I believe we have to look at this alternative. Mr. Chairman, this amendment deals with an enormously important issue: namely, expanding eligibility for a whole-school program under title I. Many of us believe that overall school improvement is the single best way to improve achievement by disadvantaged students. An enhanced, challenging curriculum taught by well-prepared teachers is, in fact, the goal of the school reform efforts all over the country. Given that, I think we have to ask ourselves why we continue to rely on pull-out programs as the backbone of the Title I Program. Although this amendment only drops the percentage of disadvantaged children required for a schoolwide program to 50 percent from 60 percent, it is a key step in the right direction for title I. If a school and a school district are willing to go through the planning process and meet the performance standards--for all children--that are required of a schoolwide program, I say we should encourage them. This is one of the most powerful ways in which Federal funds can encourage school improvement all over the country.”