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Letter from the Secretary

In 1965, Congress created a role for the federal government in education. Among other things, that role committed the government to helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive a quality education and gain access to a bright future. Many years and good intentions later, we still have not fulfilled that promise.

While states and school districts still bear the lion's share of responsibility for educating our children, President Bush and I are working with Congress to ensure that the federal role advances the kind of reform that improves our education system. A key component of that reform is local control and flexibility. You and your neighbors know what your local schools need better than anyone in Washington; and we want you, through your state and local officials, to make those decisions.

Improving education, however, will require more than just state officials, school boards and school superintendents. Our communities will play an important role in providing oversight, ideas and accountability. This book explains the shape of things to come and shows you some of the resources you can use to make sure no child is left behind.

/s/
Rod Paige

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Last updated—December 17, 2004 (jer)