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news:
Jeffords unwavering
on education
By Stephine Michrina
Summer Forty-Niner
Sen. Jim Jeffords
of Vermont spoke publicly for the first time since his announcement
to switch party affiliation from Republican to Independent,
at the K-16 Partnerships and Student Success conference at
Cal State Long Beach on Friday.
"We need to
seize the day to ensure the vision of leaving no children
left behind," Jeffords said.
The senator, whose
decision last month to switch parties gave Democrats control
of the Senate, gave closing remarks for the three-day conference
that focused on partnerships between high schools, elementary
schools, community colleges and universities.
"I want to
be sure children have adequate resources to obtain an education,"
Jeffords said to the crowd of educators and administrators.
Jeffords praised
the city of Long Beach for its educational efforts saying,
"Here in Long Beach you have the greatest attitude in
the nation about taking care of the children."
Jeffords, who received
a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 500 people,
urged the audience to support education by writing to congress.
He also said he's working on an amendment on a tax bill to
help low- and middle- income families pay for childcare costs.
Commenting on the
current educational situation of elementary schools, Jeffords
said that 68 percent of fourth graders can't read at a level
that they can learn. "America must fulfill the goal of
becoming No. 1 in math and science."
Finally, Jeffords
emphasized the importance of partnerships and conferences
that promote the involvement of everyone in educational matters.
"Where partnerships flourish, children will benefit."
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