David Durenberger: “As we begin this debate, I want to express my appreciation to Senators Kennedy, Kassebaum, Pell, and Jeffords for their…”

“As we begin this debate, I want to express my appreciation to Senators Kennedy, Kassebaum, Pell, and Jeffords for their leadership in bringing the administration's Goals 2000 to this point in the legislative process. Goals 2000 is not a new Federal education program. And, despite our best efforts through amendments on the floor, Goals 2000 must not become a vehicle for each of us to promote our own particular solution to the serious problems now facing public education in this country. I think of Goals 2000 as a basic set of principles for reforming public education--something akin to the six principles the President used to help shape the health care reform proposal that he and the First Lady have now put before us. In that sense, it's appropriate that we take up this proposal before we consider reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. ESEA is a much better place to answer the 'how' questions--at least as they apply to Federal education programs and policies. Goals 2000 should be limited to defining the 'what.'”