Text of Policy Statement Issued at National Summit

The following is the complete text of the policy statement issued at the conclusion of the 1996 National Education Summit last week in Palisades, N.Y.

The quality of our schools is one of the issues fundamental to America's future and our quality of life. The primary purpose of education is to prepare students to flourish in a democratic society and to work successfully in a global economy. Governors and business leaders recognize that our nation's future depends on all students being able to perform to their highest potential. Our joint leadership in our states is imperative. Parents have the primary responsibility to make decisions about their children's education. States and localities are responsible for providing high-quality educational opportunities. The nation's governors have made the strengthening of schools a top priority. Business leaders understand that companies can be successful and the nation can be economically viable only if the United States has a world-class workforce.

Notwithstanding the progress that has been made, we agree that substantial and focused efforts must be taken to significantly accelerate student performance. In November 1995, the National Education Goals Panel marked the progress made in achieving the goals at the midpoint between the time they were established and the year 2000, when they are to be achieved. The report shows some positive developments, but it is clear that, at the current pace, we will not meet these goals in any area. The report also shows that limited information is being collected to help us understand how students are performing. While we remain committed to implement at the state and local level the education goals adopted by governors following the Charlottesville (Va.) Summit in 1989, it is clear that simply setting...