Education Issues

Secretary Alexander discussed a variety of education issues and stressed a theme of "Back to School, But Not the Same Old Schools." He spoke about progress toward the goals of the Education 2000 program and school choice, which is part of the Republican party platform this year. President Bush is an advocate of school choice, a program that would provide vouchers and tax breaks for parents that decide to send their children to private schools. The secretary indicated that he would be travelling to schools each week to recognize their efforts in meeting the six education goals. Secretary Alexander also answered questions from the audience after his remarks. A number of the questions focused on whether his school visits would involve political campaigning.