Yesterday I attended President Bush?s visit at Waldo C. Falkener Elementary School in Greensboro. The excitement of a seated President in the building filled the air. Dr. Terry Grier and his team successfully prepared for this important visitor. The children were excited about seeing ?their? President, and President Bush had a great photo opportunity. Basically a good time was had by all – except maybe the demonstrators outside.
Bush touted the benefits of his education policy  – No Child Left Behind ? and holding schools accountable. He complimented North Carolina for being the first state to have an accountability program. Also, praised our state for the high number of students proficient, and for closing the achievement gap.
I am not sure who wrote his speech, but obviously there was not enough homework done on North Carolina?s minimal standards and low proficiency levels.
 I was pleased to hear one aspect. He stated in clear terms he was NOT supportive of a Federal test. Some  Republican colleagues think this “Federal test” would be the answer to “gaming” the accountability measures. President Bush said standards and tests should be directed at the state level not the federal level.
He did not go so far as to say the Department of Education should be eliminated, which would have been a giant step in the right direction!