To: AllPolitics
From: T. Spencer/CNN
In: Lansing, Mich.
Posted: 3-6-97

Subject: Clinton Plugs Education Standards, Welfare Reform

President Clinton told a joint session of the Michigan legislature Thursday that states must lead the way in establishing national standards for education.

In his address, the president appealed for all states to adopt a nationally established set of performance standards centered on skills evaluations that measure students' achievement in reading and math.

Pitching proposals that have met a lukewarm reception in Congress, Clinton emphasized the need for "high standards, high expectations and high accountability."

"I think we should begin by having every state test every fourth grader in reading and every eighth grader in math by the year 1999," Clinton said. "Our number one priority must be to make our system of public education the best in the world."

Over the next two years, the U.S. Department of Education will develop standardized tests to be "made available to the states." While states would not be required to implement the national standards, Clinton emphasized, "I want to create a climate where it's hard to say 'no.' Where it's voluntary, but you would be ashamed not to give your kids a chance to do that."

Clinton's plan also includes early education programs for pre-schoolers, federally funded student loans, tax credits of up to $10,000 for families of college students, and improvements in school infrastructure.

The president also called for all schools to be hooked up to the Internet by the year 2000. He said Secretary of Education Richard Riley had awarded Michigan a grant of $8.6 million for development of computer technologies in the state's public schools.

Michigan Gov. John Engler, a Republican, expressed enthusiasm for uniform testing of the nation's students. However, the plan is not popular in Washington, where detractors say national standards will diminish state and local control over schools.

In introductory remarks, Engler said, "I strongly support your proposal to make national and international reading and math tests available to the states.... This morning I am pleased to announce that Michigan accepts your challenge. We will be the first state in the nation to measure student achievement against that of the rest of the world."

Clinton concluded by proposing welfare reforms centered around job retraining for displaced workers. He also asked for support in retooling the 1996 Welfare Reform Act to allow broader inclusion of legal immigrants in the system.

The president's speech to the Michigan legislature marked his second appearance before state lawmakers to promote his education and welfare initiatives. The first was in Annapolis, Md., last month.