Statement by ED in '08 Chairman Roy Romer on National Assessment of Educational Progress Results

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Today's test results offer a sobering look at student achievement in writing," said Ed in '08 Chairman Roy Romer. "America's schools are simply not preparing its students to compete in a global economy. According to the results released today by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 24 percent of 12th graders are proficient in writing. What's more, a report released earlier this week revealed that nearly half the students in the 50 largest urban school districts are not graduating on time with a regular diploma.

We must not be complacent. We need to raise expectations for all of our students and we need leaders who will make education reform a national priority. If we continue to fail our students, Americans will increasingly get beat for the best jobs, negatively impacting the nation's economy."

For more information, log onto: http://www.EDin08.com

Strong American Schools, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is a nonpartisan campaign supported by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promoting sound education policies for all Americans. SAS does not support or oppose any candidate for public office and does not take positions on legislation.