A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
August 26, 1997

Contact: Rick Miller
(202) 401-3026

STATEMENT OF U. S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD W. RILEY

Re: The release of the 29th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll

The Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll shows conclusively that the American people support voluntary national tests by a wide margin. Two out of three said national tests would improve student achievement "a great deal or quite a lot."

President Clinton has proposed voluntary national tests in 4th grade reading and 8th grade math that would help students to master these all important basics. The American people agree with the President that this is the right way to go.

The tests will inform parents, teachers, and students themselves about what it takes to reach national and even international standards of achievement no matter where they live -- something no other test currently does. School districts and states ought to have the opportunity to participate in these tests. Some in the Congress would deny them this right. I hope the Congress will not ignore the voice of the American people.

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