Introduction
All children deserve the best opportunities to succeed
and achieve the American dream. And our system of free
universal public education for children ages five
through eighteen is the cornerstone for creating that
opportunity. Yet many American children enter the
primary school system unprepared to learn, and
statistics prove that the American public education
system is far below average when compared to those of
other industrialized nations.
In this new century, we must ensure that the students
beginning public school are prepared to learn. We must
enable and support their drive for academic achievement.
And we must provide universal education of the highest
quality, affording all American children the opportunity
to succeed and compete in the global marketplace. These
are the prerequisites for retaining and renewing public
education as a cornerstone for a vibrant democracy.