Leaving no student behind

U.S. Secretary of Education and IU alumnus Rod Paige came to IU Thursday to reassure the School of Education that despite Sept. 11, President Bush has not lost sight of his pledge to leave no child behind.\n"He is busy right now fighting terror, maybe preparing for war," Paige said. "But even while he is building an international coalition, he is building a bipartisan coalition for the improvement of America's schools."\nIn his speech to faculty and students in the Education Building, Paige applauded the University for involving the College of Arts and Sciences in teacher training.\n"The relationship between the College of Arts and Science and the School of Education is the foundation of good teaching," he said.\nChancellor Sharon Brehm said it was an honor to welcome Paige back to campus.\n"It was a wonderful moment," she said. "Paige is an illustrious alum. It provided very good dialogue."\nPaige touched on the theme of effective teachers throughout his speech, and said he believes they are the most fundamental part of the education process.\n"Teachers must love children, be strong in their discipline and be of high moral standards," he said. "Schools will change when the people who look the kids in the eye change."\nAfter the speech, the audience had a chance to ask Paige questions. Flanked by IU President Myles Brand and School of Education Dean Gerardo Gonzalez, Paige engaged in a dialogue on topics ranging from childhood obesity to standardized testing.\nPaige said he began discussions last week with Human Health and Services Secretary Tommy Thompson on how to trim the bulging waistlines of America's kids. \n"We are just now getting energized about this, but I promise we will be doing more," he said.\nOn standardized testing, Paige said it is a critical element in holding school systems accountable.\n"By itself it looks nonsensical," he said. "But it's all part of a broad system. With high standards, we can put our teachers, textbooks and college system in alignment." \nWhen asked whether vouchers undermine public schools, Paige said, "We promote choice because we think choice strengthens public schools." \nHe fondly recalled earning his Masters and Doctorate degrees from IU in 1962 and 1970.\n"Some of my most cherished memories are of days here," he said.\nGonzalez said he was pleased that Paige recognized the University's emphasis on teacher preparation.\n"He puts teachers at the center," he said. "Paige has an appreciation for the comprehensive nature of school improvement, though he knows there isn't any one thing anyone can do"