Statement by NEA President Bob Chase on President's Proposal to Improve Urban Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NEA President Bob Chase issued the following statement following President Clinton's remarks on urban education today to the U.S. Conference of Mayors:

"President Clinton gets it. He understands that improving urban education will require a combination of hard work, accountability, and high standards for students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike.

"He understands that providing excellent teaching and challenging curricula, while putting an end to social promotion, sends the clearest message possible to students and parents that he means business.

"And, by coupling his call for Education Opportunity Zones with his proposal for School Modernization, he is acknowledging that he wants what all parents want for their children: modern schools, with smaller classes, where access to the latest in educational technology will be commonplace.

"Finally, and perhaps most importantly, President Clinton understands that the vitally important continuum of quality early childhood education, public schools, and after-school enhancement programs will give urban students a strong foundation to compete for the jobs of future, while preparing them to be lifelong learners."