Between Hope and History: on Education

Both teachers and students must demonstrate competence

We must do more to make sure education meets the needs of our children and the demands of the future. First and foremost, he must continue to hold students, teachers, and school to the highest standards. We must ensure students can demonstrate competence to be promoted and to graduate. Teachers must also demonstrate competence, and we should be prepared to reward the best ones, and remove those who don’t measure up, fairly and expeditiously. Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p. 44 Jan 1, 1996

Reward best public schools; redesign failing ones

We should reward the best schools, and we should shut down or redesign those that fail, and especially those that are unsafe. That’s one reason why I have supported expanding school choice and charter schools-creative new schools started by parents and teachers and licensed by school systems. And it’s why I have announced a new $5 billion program to renovate and modernize school buildings badly in need of repair-in inner cities, suburbs, and one-stoplight towns. Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p. 44 Jan 1, 1996

Need not leave religion at the schoolhouse door

Some families have been frustrated to see their children denied even the most private forms of religious expression in public schools. Here is where I stand: I believe the First Amendment does not require students to leave their religion at the schoolhouse door. Just as we wouldn’t want students to leave at home the values they learn from religion, we should not require them to refrain from religious expression. Reinforcing those values is an important part of every school’s mission. Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.138 Jan 1, 1996

Private student prayer OK; but no official school prayer

I believe the Supreme Court was right a generation ago to prohibit any public authority from creating an official school prayer and making students recite it. But there is absolutely nothing improper about students wanting to reflect upon their faith. Students can pray privately and individually whenever they want. They can express their beliefs in homework, through artwork, and during class presentations, as long as its relevant to the assignment. They can form religious clubs in high school. Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.139 Jan 1, 1996

*The above quotations are from Between Hope and History: Meeting America's Challenges for the 21st Century, by Bill Clinton.* Click here for definitions & background information on Education. Click here for more quotes by Bill Clinton on Education.
*2008 Presidential contenders on Education:*
*Republicans:* Mayor Rudy Giuliani Gov.Mike Huckabee Rep.Duncan Hunter Sen.John McCain Rep.Ron Paul Gov.Mitt Romney Sen.Fred Thompson Gov.Tommy Thompson	*Democrats:* Sen.Hillary Clinton Sen.John Edwards Sen.Mike Gravel Rep.Dennis Kucinich Sen.Barack Obama	*Third Parties:* Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney Socialist: Brian Moore Independent: Mayor Mike Bloomberg
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)