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Education: Choice
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Education: Choice
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These records pertain to school choice and vouchers.
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Domestic Policy Council
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04794
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Education: Choice
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13
23
3
1
2. INVESTING IN PEOPLE: EDUCATION
SUMMARY
Building a better America requires a well-educated America. Greater educational achieve-
ment for all children promotes sustained economic growth, enhances the Nation's competitive
position in world markets, increases productivity and leads to higher incomes for everyone.
The Nation must invest in its young people, giving them the knowledge, skills, and values to
compete successfully in the marketplace and to build a better America.
"The challenge of the future is not just to make education more available, but to make
it more worthwhile.
/ believe the best thing we can do is invest in our young people.
Education is critical to our future, both individually and as a nation. If we are to im-
prove our standard of living, protect and defend our democratic freedoms, and strengthen
our moral character as a nation, nothing is more important than education."
George Bush
Providing quality education is fundamentally a state and local responsibility. When it comes
to better schools, almost all of the wisdom, good answers, and money to pay the bills come
from outside Washington, D.C. Federal leadership and funding, however, can make a difference.
Several underlying principles govern the President's education policy and initiatives.
First, the Administration will reward excellence and success in education: Federal incen-
tives, in the form of public recognition and financial awards, will provide new catalysts for
educational achievement.
Second, the Administration will target Federal dollars to help those most in need-where
support can make a difference. Education is the key to opportunity; inadequate education denies
a child the chance to compete. Federal programs help States provide that chance.
Next, the Administration will promote choice and flexibility-for families, students, teachers,
and principals-to encourage competition and help provide the means and the incentives to
achieve educational excellence. This Administration is committed to the principle of more choice
at the local level-for students and parents to choose the schools that best meet students' needs;
for teachers to experiment with techniques and ideas to help students learn better. The
Administration will provide incentives to States to adopt flexible approaches to recruiting the
best qualified teachers for their classrooms and principals for their schools.
Finally, the Administration will work to assure that students are actually receiving the
highest quality education, by promoting greater accountability at all levels of the educational
system. This Administration is committed to objective measurement and reward of progress
toward quality education. The Nation invests annually more than $330 billion in education,
an enormous commitment. Federal, State, and local authorities must assure that the funds
they spend and the programs they manage accomplish their goals-as measured by student
learning and achievement.
49
Social Policy - 6
how women would gain such assur-
new spending is likely to be minimal.
ance. and he has generally opposed
Education
"Where is he going to get the re-
mandated benefits.
sources?" asks Mary Hatwood Futrell,
Nonetheless, Bush's vague com-
president of the National Education
mitments spurred congressional Dem-
Association. "We don't anticipate any
ocrats to attempt to pass both mini-
new dollars until the third or fourth
mum-wage and parental-leave legisla-
year of the new administration."
tion in the waning days of the 100th
Referring to Bush's education
Congress.
ideas, some of which carry hefty price
When their efforts failed after
tags, Futrell adds, "What we probably
prolonged Republican-led filibusters
saw [during the campaign] was more
in the Senate. the Democrats vowed to
dreaming and rhetoric than reality."
put both issues back on the 101st Con-
While education leaders on Capi-
gress' agenda. (Weekly Report pp.
tol Hill are heartened by Bush's focus
2822. 2708)
on education, many are adopting an
Now that the election is over,
attitude of "wait and see."
union leaders. business groups and
"We'll give him bills and test
lawmakers are watching to see what
whether he wants to be the education
Bush will do.
president," says Williams, who chairs
"We're hopeful but not too op-
the House Education and Labor Sub-
timistic," says John J. Sweeney, presi-
committee on Postsecondary Education.
dent of the Service Employees Inter-
LISA BERG
Rep. Bill Goodling. R-Pa., who
national Union. "In the past, he's
advised Bush during the campaign,
never taken the lead on any of these
While trekking across New
predicts he will have a "more cooper-
issues."
Hampshire last January, Bush came
ative spirit" than Reagan and will
"It's hard to know him," adds F.
out with one of his campaign's lasting
work to craft bipartisan legislation.
Ray Marshall, who was President Car-
catch phrases: "I want to be the edu-
In addition, says Goodling, "he'll
ter's labor secretary. "In my judg-
cation president," he told a group of
be a good spokesman. The Oval Office
ment, he didn't say a lot Who's
students at Manchester High School.
will be a good podium. He will use it
going to disagree with a kinder, gent-
Since then, Bush - who stood by
effectively and in a conciliatory way."
ler nation?"
quietly while the Reagan administra-
But Bush's sketchy campaign
tion sought to cut federal support for
The Bush Proposals
promises do indicate what direction he
education - has been trying to fill in
Most of Bush's education initia-
will take on labor issues. As Rep. Wil-
the blanks in his sweeping promise.
tives build on programs already in law.
liams puts it, Bush "wants the mar-
He has proposed full funding for
For example, he wants to expand an
ketplace to step in."
programs targeted on poor children,
income-contingent loan program for
When Bush accepted the Repub-
such as Head Start for preschoolers and
college students. A two-year-old pilot
lican presidential nomination in New
Pell Grants for college students. He has
program, it allows borrowers to tailor
Orleans last August, he said one of his
called for plans to encourage low- and
their post-school loan payments to the
missions as president would be to cre-
middle-income families to save money
amount of money they earn.
ate 30 million new jobs over the next
for their children's college and voca-
Bush also believes that education
eight years. Economists of all stripes
tional education. To foster competition
has much to learn from the business
promptly said that "30 in 8" was a
and quality teaching. he has proposed
world. Where tax incentives and free-
mission impossible, and various Bush
giving cash bonuses to the country's best
market competition encourage compa-
campaign officials later backed away
schools and teachers.
nies to boost their standards, he says,
from the assertion.
And he told campaign audiences
merit awards for successful schools
But Bush's conviction that the
that a Bush administration would stop
and parental choice of which public
economy will continue to grow ex-
the erosion in education funding. "I
schools their children will attend
plains in large measure his approach
can say unequivocally that I will not
could encourage schools to upgrade
to labor issues.
support any further cuts in total fed-
the quality of education they offer.
As businesses compete for quali-
eral funding for education. We can
Following are the education ini-
fied job applicants, he expects em-
spend more wisely, but we must not
tiatives Bush talked about during his
ployers to dangle more impressive
spend less," Bush told the New
run for the presidency. Most were out-
benefit packages before prospective
Hampshire students.
lined in a policy paper released by the
employees. Without any help from
But Bush quickly added a caution-
campaign in October 1988:
Congress, wages will rise and workers
ary note. "When it comes to better
Parental Choice. Based on suc-
will get benefits ranging from job-pro-
schools, almost all of the wisdom and the
cessful experiments in the Harlem sec-
tected parental leave to better health
good answers and the money to pay the
tion of New York City and in Minne-
insurance. Tax incentives could accel-
bills should come from outside Washing-
sota, Bush said he wanted to "encour-
erate this progression. Or so the think-
ton. D.C.," he said in a June 6 speech.
age" other states and local communities
ing goes.
Currently, the federal govern-
to set up "open enrollment" programs.
Meanwhile, congressional Demo-
ment pays only about 9 percent - $22
Theoretically, if public schools have to
crats counter that market forces work
billion in fiscal 1989 - of the nation's
compete for students, they will improve
too slowly and unevenly, and that leg-
overall education budget.
the quality of education and even start
islation is needed to ensure all workers
Even critics of the Reagan admin-
offering special programs.
such benefits.
istration's education policies agree
Chapter 1. Bush would retarget
PAGE 3464-Dec. 10, 1988
Copyright 1998 Congressonsi Quarterly Inc.
Reproduction prohibited 5 whole or part except by admorial change
DOMESTIC POLICY ISSUES
I. EDUCATION
Choice in Education Magnet Schools
Source: 1989 Platform, "Leadership on the Issues. "
Description: some states have begun to implement
programs that permit parents to chose their
children's schools. and Magnet schools are rising in
popularity. Choice helps promote competitiveness
and fosters excellence. Small elements of choice
have been incorporated into some federal education
programs after much work with Congress.
Budget Impact: President-elect called for $50 M
investment: fostering state experimentation could
increase choice and minimize federal cost.
Required Policy Decision: How could more choice be
implemented in federal education programs, and
states encouraged to experiment with choice programs?
Implementation Action: Legislative proposals.
Timeframe: Early 1989
Drug-Free Schools
Source: 1988 Platform: "Leadership on the Issues
Description: The Omnibus Drug Abuse Act of 1988
further "tinkered" with the relatively new Drug-Free
Schools programs under DoEd. Congressional
micromanagement will likely continue as roles are
adjusted to accommodate the new "Director of Drug
Control Policy." On the whole, current law focuses
on State and local control of these programs and the
Administration should foster such decentralization.
Budget Impact: Current budget for DoEd programs is
$250 million; Congress just added $108 million more
Required Policy Decision: How should the
Administration keep the spotlight on local control
of Drug-Free School programs with effective
coordination by the Director of Drug Control Policy:
Implementation Action: Presidential statement.
Timeframe: February 1989
DRAFT - 25 NOV as
INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION -- Governors have been on the cutting
edge of the education reform movement. Yet, this effort is far from
complete. Because improvements in education require Federal leadership and
support and real state muscle, George Bush will meet with all of the
Governors to discuss the most urgent problems facing our nation's schools.
Every child should know how to read and write before leaving school.
George Bush will work with the Governors to get results by concentrating on
state curricula and student achievement levels. George Bush will also push
for state minimum competency testing before students are promoted or
graduate.
SUPPORT FOR CHOICE IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PUBLIC SCHOOLS -- George Bush
believes that parents and their children should be able to choose the
public school that's right for the student. The public elementary or
secondary school which happens to be in the student's neighborhood should
not be the only option available. A growing number of communities are
discovering that their children's education is improving with open
enrollment programs. Teachers and administrators are developing
distinctive programs and providing genuine alternatives to students in
their communities.
New York's Harlem District 4 launched a choice school years ago, which is
now producing students who test above the average. The State of Minnesota
is expanding its statewide efforts and a growing number of students are
participating in their open enrollment program. George Bush will encourage
those states and communities interested in developing open enrollment
programs; experimental funds will be made available to assist public school
systems undertaking model efforts to broaden student and parental choice
among the public schools.
HELPING MORE DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS -- George Bush believes we must ensure
that every taxpayer dollar is spent as effectively as possible. George
Bush would improve targeting of federal Chapter One grants more directly on
school districts with the highest concentration of disadvantaged students.
Chapter One provides over $4 billion to 90% of all public school districts,
but 60% of those served are not disadvantaged. Despite providing over $4
billion in federal funds, over 20% of children who are both disadvantaged
and lov-achieving students are not served.
EXTENDING THE REACH OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES -- Our young people with
disabilities should reach for the same scholastic achievement goals as
their friends. George Bush has been disappointed that the national debate
over academic achievement has not focused more on these students. He
believes that children with disabilities have as much a right to an
excellent education as other children.
George Bush will work within the Education of the Handicapped Act toward
establishing academic and post-graduation goals.
-- 161 --
INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN
George Bush believes that mediocrity cannot be tolerated. We must ensure
that schools educate their students. Failure to do so is unacceptable.
George Bush supports the efforts of states who take over failed school
systems.
Bush supports providing federal matching funds to states creating more
magnet schools. Magnet schools have upgraded the quality of entire school
systems by offering options to students.
0
Bush proposes an additional $50 million in matching grants to states
that create or support magnet schools.
Magnet schools are public schools, such as the Houston Independent School
District, Prince George's County Public Schools, and the New York School of
the Performing Arts, which compete for enrollment from all areas of the
district. These schools offer specialized curricula or facilities which
make them especially appealing to students.
George Bush knows that federal support, designed to help disadvantaged
children, often has restrictions that keep schools from making the most
innovative and successful changes. Cumbersome federal regulations usually
preclude bold approaches.
0 Bush will reward educational enterpreneurs by allowing creativity
while holding schools to the highest standards of accountability.
The lack of proficiency in English is one of the greatest barriers to
opportunity. George Bush believes in bilingual education. His goal is to
offer students who do not speak English well the chance to stay in school
and learn to speak, read, and comprehend English in order to gain access to
greater opportunities.
George Bush will expand federal funds to finance experiments in educational
reform. Every major development in our history was a result of
experimentation. The assembly line, transistor, gene-splicing and even the
United States Constitution came about because Americans are innovative.
Bush supports the Fund for Innovation and Reform of Schools and Teaching
(FIRST).
He will increase funding from $6 million to $50 million and provide
approximately $1 million to each state that selects one school
district for experimentation.
George Bush believes parents should be able to choose which public schools
their children attend. Bush supports the designs employed by the East
Harlem School District Four and Minnesota's state-wide plan that permits
parents to send their children to public school across, as well as within,
districts.
141
PROPOSED CHANGE
(In millions of dollars)
Dollar
Percent
1989
1990
Change
Change
Budget Authority
-
5
+5
n.a.
Outlays
-
4
+4
n.a.
National standards of excellence for high school seniors' achievement in the sciences and
mathematics would be set for annual competitions for the National Science Scholarships.
One student would be nominated by each Member and Delegate in the House of Repre-
sentatives, one by each Senator, and 30 by the President, for a total of 570 scholars each year.
The scholarships would be for four years for up to $10,000 per year.
Scholarships would be available for use at any accredited institution of higher education
to which the student is admitted. Students would be required to major in the sciences, math-
ematics or engineering and show continuing excellent performance.
Awards for a student who qualifies for other Federal need-based aid or receives other
scholarship aid would not result in total aid in excess of the cost of education at the student's
school.
Students would have opportunities for summer jobs in Federal science laboratories.
FUNDING SUMMARY
(In millions of dollars)
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
Budget Authority
-
5
10
15
20
Outlays
-
4
9
14
19
d. Fostering Magnet Schools of Excellence
OVERVIEW
Magnet schools-schools with a special curriculum emphasis or other set of characteris-
tics-offer parents an essential choice for their children. Children who go to magnet schools
learn more. Magnet school strategies have been successful across the country.
No single method of education is best suited to all children. No single way of organizing
schools (elementary, middle or secondary) and school systems is the best for every area or for
every mix of students. One of the most encouraging features of the educational reform move-
ment is the willingness of schools and school systems to experiment with alternative approaches
and especially to open the school selection process to parents.
55
229-645 0 - 3 - 89 - OL3
The Federal Government now finances magnet schools to further desegregation. This
approach should be applied to achieve other worthy goals as well. Some school districts have
used magnet schools to focus resources and attract students to mathematics and science, the
arts, and other special curricula.
Magnet schools increase choices for parents and students and generate healthy competi-
tion among schools. These features improve the quality of education.
"Magnet schools are a way of promoting excellence and upgrading the quality of an
entire school system."
George Bush
PRINCIPLES
Expanding the use of magnet schools increases choice, expands opportunities for children,
and ultimately improves the quality of all the schools.
Federal funds can help States and school districts design and implement magnet schools
more rapidly.
POLICIES
The President proposes a new authority and $100 million in new funding for magnet
schools.
PROPOSED CHANGE
(In millions of dollars)
Dollar
Percent
1989
1990
Change
Change
Budget Authority
-
100
+100
n.a.
Outlays
-
12
+12
n.a.
Legislation will authorize grants to States for the establishment of new magnet schools.
The current authority for magnet schools for desegregation purposes will not be affected.
Magnet school grants will be available for schools offering choices from the full range of
curriculum options. States will be encouraged to examine opportunities for development of
magnet schools with mathematics and science orientations.
These new magnet schools will he in addition to any such efforts currently underway in
the States and school districts. Special consideration will be given to proposals that offer recog-
nition of the potential of children from low-income families.
Funds will be for initial costs, with a requirement that States and local school systems
rapidly assume full operating costs.
56
INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOOL AWARD PROGRAM -- George Bush proposes a National
Merit Award for those schools -- elementary and secondary -- who show the
greatest improvement in students; performance. George Bush believes in
revarding what has proven effective. Schools meeting determined criteria
for improving education, such as improved student performance on test
scores and decreased drop-out rates would receive special recognition.
He will also present an average award of $100,000 to each National Merit
School District which serves a significant proportion of disadvantaged
students and meets the criteria for improving the education of these
students.
EXPERIMENTS FOR ACHIEVEMENT -- George Bush will expand federal funds to
finance experiments in education reform. Every major development in our
history was a result of experimentation. The assembly line, transistors,
biotechnology, and even the United States Constitution came about because
curious minds wanted to find better ways of doing things.
George Bush supports the Fund for Innovation and Reform of Schools and
Teaching (FIRST). He will increase finding to $50 million and provide
approximately $1 million to each state that selects one school district for
experimentation. George Bush believes in innovation on every front -- in
general classroom teaching, in education for disabled students, in
vocational education, in expanding open enrollment programs, and in
assisting disadvantaged and at-risk students.
MAGNET SCHOOLS -- Magnet schools are powerful lures for parents seeking a
quality education for their children. George Bush supports providing
federal matching funds to states creating more magnet schools. Magnet
schools have upgraded the quality of entire school systems by encouraging
competition among schools. He proposes spending an additional $50 million
-- in addition to the $114 million already spent on matching grants to
states so they can create or support magnet schools.
PRESIDENTIAL AVARDS FOR EXCELLENT TEACHERS -- The work of a teacher lasts
many lifetimes -- in all the lives of the students in classes taught.
George Bush recognizes this work as the most influential force in our
future. George Bush will establish a President's Award for Excellence in
Education.
George Bush will award $5,000 to the best twenty-five teachers in each of
the 50 states. Many communities have established such awards. It is time
for federal recognition that rewards the best teachers directly, in both
elementary and secondary education and across all subject areas.
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS -- In order to know if we are
improving education in this country, we need to know whether students are
learning. Testing of student performance is vital so we know just which
areas need attention. George Bush supports increased funding for the
National Assessment of Educational Progress to develop a profile of student
achievement.
-- 162 --