A Charge To Keep: on Education


Public school misalign authority and responsibility

When you give local schools and teachers the responsibility for teaching, yet try to have a distant authority dictate how they do so, you have defied this management principle and created a convenient excuse for failure. [Bush proposes] a new kind of school, tough-love academics, and boot camps and, as the last stop, more beds in our juvenile justice system.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p. 28-31 Dec 9, 1999

State funding for schools, with local control

The state, not local property taxes, should be the primary source of funds for the schools. Local property taxes are inherently unfair and unequal, because property values are different in different parts of the state. I also believed strongly in local control of schools. local parents and teachers and locally elected school boards were far more accountable than. centralized state education agency in Austin.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p. 24. Dec 9, 1999

Zero toleration policy for discipline problems in schools

We will have zero tolerance for discipline problems in our classrooms. We must assure our teachers they are allowed to teach and guarantee their right to learn without disruption or fear of violence. But we can't just throw discipline problems out on the streets, so that is why I want a new kind of school, tough-love academies, and boot camps and, as the last stop, more beds in our juvenile justice system.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p. 30-31. Dec 9, 1999

Effective curriculum comes from clear standards

A straightforward list of academic expectations, that's what I wanted. A clear list of what students should know, and when they should know it. That's what a curriculum should be. I believe the role of the state is to set high education standards and hold local school districts accountable for results. The standards should reflect what we expect fourth-grader to know before they move to the fifth grade, what body of knowledge a student should have to earn a high school diploma in Texas.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p.201-210 Dec 9, 1999

Replace "English Only" with "English Plus" Spanish

I believe people who live and work in America must learn to speak English. English is our common language and reflects our common bond. I want all of America's children to learn to read and write in English, plus I want my own daughters to learn Spanish. Plus, I make an effort to speak Spanish myself. Plus, I recognize that the Hispanic heritage and culture are important to my state and our country. "English-only" says me, not you. It says I count, but you do not. That is not the message of America."
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p.237. Dec 9, 1999

State should enforce standards, not micromanage schools

The need to align authority and responsibility is a fundamental management principle.. When you give local schools and teachers the responsibility for teaching, yet try to have a distant authority dictate how they do so, you have defied this management principle and created a convenient excuse for failure. There is a role for the state, but it is not to micromanage local districts. The state's role is to set clear standards, hold local districts accountable for results, and measure progress.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p. 28 -29. Dec 9, 1999

Charters encourage innovative methods & provide choices

Charter schools encourage educational entrepreneurs to try innovative methods. They break up the monopoly of one-size-fits-all education. These diverse, creative schools are proof that parents from all walks of life are willing to challenge the status quo if it means a better education for their children. More competition and more choices for parents and students will raise the bar for everyone.
Source: "A Charge to Keep", p.233 - 234 Dec 9, 1999

  • The above quotations are from A Charge To Keep: My Journey to the White House, by George W. Bush.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Education.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by George W. Bush on Education.
2016 Presidential contenders on Education:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI) 		Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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