Michael Synar: “I rise today to support the final passage of H.R. 6, the Improving America's Schools Act. This legislation will greatly…”

“I rise today to support the final passage of H.R. 6, the Improving America's Schools Act. This legislation will greatly improve teaching and learning in our public schools at a time when it is critical for our Nation to keep pace with the educational prowess of our international competitors. H.R. 6 meets this challenge by encouraging States to develop improved curricula tied to internationally competitive academic and workforce standards, promoting enhancements of instruction and by fostering both professional development and greater family and community involvement in schools. The innovative approach to education reform embodied in H.R. 6 is long overdue. Studies have shown that while our economy, society and families have undergone dramatic changes, schools and instruction programs have remained stagnant. Long-term improvement in public education will only occur if states, local school districts and individual schools work together to achieve reform. H.R. 6 promotes this approach by creating a fully coordinated effort designed to produce a well-qualified and well-trained workforce that will meet both the increasingly complex and rapid technological challenges and the ever-growing aggressive competition of our international rivals.”