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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2000

News Release

The American Public Emerges as the Big Winner in First Debate

Debate Reveals Dramatic Differences Between Candidate Education Plans

Washington, D.C. -- National Education Association (NEA) President Bob Chase declared the American public the biggest winner in tonight's presidential debate. "The differences between the two candidates' education plans were undeniable," said Chase. "Al Gore understands what it takes to improve education and the conditions of children. As President, he will produce real results. Tonight's debate crystallized this fact."

Chase said that for the first time the public saw the candidates in a forum that exposed the depth and breadth of their education plans, free from campaign trail rhetoric and backdrops. "As teachers, we know when our students really know an issue and when they're 'just getting by,'" said Chase. "Gov. Bush has been 'getting by' with a deficient education plan for too long. He is cramming for the presidency and his education plan shows it."

"The Gore education plan delivers for every child. Gore's education plan is built on proven strategies that boost student and school performance -- smaller classes, quality teachers, safe and modern schools, real accountability and extra support to help all students meet high standards," said Chase. "This makes sense. Higher standards and strict accountability measures require more than just tough talk. It requires a focus on what works and an end to what doesn't."

Gov. Bush has shown a blatant disregard for proven solutions to boost student performance. He is silent on reducing class size, fails to invest in school construction, wastes taxpayer money, and touts a plan that lacks real accountability measures. "These are the conditions an 'education president' must address in order to help every child learn and meet higher standards," said Chase.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.