George H.W. Bush: “Yes, and part of our program feels that a national system of volunteer testing would be good. That's part of our…”

“Yes, and part of our program feels that a national system of volunteer testing would be good. That's part of our proposal. I emphasize the word ``volunteer'' because I still believe that your community should really control the curriculum and the hours and the teacher's pay and whatever it is. Most people forget that about 6 percent, I believe it is, of funding on education is at the Federal level, our level, and 90-some percent is where it belongs at the local and State level. But this concept of testing is a good one. I think kids need to know where they stand with others across the country; parents have the right to have that information. But I emphasize it should be on a voluntary basis. Let's get in the back rows, back here. Oh, the man's bringing gifts. Come right up.”