Stresses the need to view the arts and art education as an essential element in the complete education of children, and not as some type of superfluous activity. Notes that the visual and performing arts are important components of the Goals 2000 reform program and the proposed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (MDM)

Discusses how the National Information Infrastructure (NII), the "information superhighway," can be used in classrooms to help reach the targets established by the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Describes specific projects undertaken by schools to utilize the NII, and the role of computer technology in the classroom. (MDM)

The Secretary of Education, in his State of American Education Address, suggests that the nation is no longer at risk, but on the move. He indicates that Goals 2000 is the force behind the effort to raise standards, to get technology into the classroom, and to set high expectations for everyone. (JOW)

Notes that one of the best investments society can make is in its children's education. Describes how employers across the country are supporting better education through family-friendly policies for learning, particularly through the "Employer's Promise for Learning," an initiative of the "Family Involvement Partnership for…

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education provides his viewpoints on maintaining strong public support for public education by reaching out to every part of the community. The Secretary urges Congress to act on school modernization. He discusses the emerging focus of architecture that now creates schools as community learning centers and…

Presents the Clinton administration's position regarding the roles for private and parochial schools in attaining the National Educational Goals adopted in 1989. Discusses the guiding principles of the administration's reform proposals: improved teaching and learning, higher standards for all children, and a commitment to partnership. Highlights…

This paper contains the transcript of the speech of United States Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley delivered at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. on July 29, 1998. The focus of the speech was the promise and possibilities of technology in education. Discussion includes the following: the "digital divide" in technology use…

Discusses how three states are implementing the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, focusing on Massachusetts' Common Core of Learning, Delaware's First Schools in the First State pilot curriculum project, and Oregon's Initial Mastery and Advanced Mastery certificates. Notes that one of the aims of Goals 2000 is to make states true laboratories of…

Examines how citizens' concern for education can be used to encourage family and community involvement in improving learning. Highlights "America Goes Back to School" program as an opportunity for parent and community involvement in schools. Gives examples of school-family-community partnerships. Lists seven challenges to American…

Discusses how research has shown that as little as 20 minutes of reading a day can dramatically improve children's reading skills. Urges teachers and others to participate in the READ*WRITE*NOW! initiative in which learning partners meet with children and youth once or twice a week to help students improve their reading and writing skills. (TJQ)

The U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, addressed the American Institute of Architects on the problem of school safety resulting from building age and/or building code violations. The Secretary stated that the problem is a large national embarrassment and reveals the Clinton Administration's response through new construction bonds and…

In this address, Richard W. Riley contends that parents' most important activity is to raise their children. Parents, educators and policymakers can work together to create a healthy and nurturing environment for all children in America. Young children absorb and later imitate adult activities they see, and they observe their parents more than…

In this seventh and final State of American Education Address, Secretary Richard W. Riley discussed the progress that has been made in education since his first address and challenged schools and communities to renew their commitment toward ensuring that all students achieve their fullest potential in the 21st century. Highlights include: "the…

Enactment of South Carolina's Education Improvement Act of 1984 taught several lessons about successful education reform. The law provides for raising student performance by increasing academic standards; strengthening the teaching and testing of basic skills; elevating the teaching profession; improving leadership, management, and fiscal…

The central issue in education today is whether education has kept up with the fundamental and far-reaching changes in the economic and social structure of this nation. We must have a new ideal of American education grounded in the practical and hard-earned lessons of the last 10 years: that children who come to school healthy are engaged and…