Statement of NEA President Reg Weaver on President Bush's Call for Federal Tuition Vouchers

7/1/2003

From: Michael Pons of the National Education Association, 202-550-9428; 504 670-4150 (NEA in New Orleans) web: http://www.nea.org/vouchers

WASHINGTON, July 1 -- Following is a statement of National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on President Bush's call for federal tuition vouchers:

"The baseline for any education reform proposal ought to be whether or not it improves student achievement. After numerous experiments and millions of dollars, there is no consistent evidence that private school tuition vouchers improve educational opportunities for students in private or public schools.

"Members of the National Education Association support high standards for students, teachers, and schools, and we support accountability systems that help address needs and spur improvements. Research confirms what parents and teachers know: reducing class size and enhancing teacher quality make a real difference in the quality of education and the lives of children.

"NEA hopes that the president and other elected officials will turn their attention away from vouchers and join us in helping make public schools great for every child."