October 11, 1995
An Open Letter
From President Bill Clinton to Parents:
In order for use to ensure that all our children have their shot at the
American dream, we need to empower them with the technological literacy
they'll need to succeed in a new and ever-changing information economy. By
2000, 60% of the new jobs in America will require advanced technological
skills. Unfortunately, only 20% of our workforce possesses these skills today.
We have a long way to go, but there is no better place to start than in our
schools. While our workplaces are moving swiftly into the information age, our
classrooms are not keeping pace.
Today, millions of children have more contact with technology in an
afternoon at the video arcade than they do all year in school. We need to
change that. We need companies to develop software that is as exciting to
learn from as video games like Mortal Kombat are to play. We need
schools equipped with the right technology.
If we fail to ensure that all our children are technologically literate,
our nation will be poorer economically and spiritually. We will allow our
nation to face a new divide -- the divide between those children who have
access to technology and those who never have.
That is why we are calling on parents, teachers, leading CEOs and others to
join us in a new national mission. Today, we set a new challenge for America:
As we enter the 21st century, every young person should enter the workforce
technologically literate.
The four pillars of our challenge are quite simple:
Modern computers and learning devices will be accessible to every
student.
Classrooms will be connected to one another and to the outside world.
Teachers will be ready to use and teach technology.
Educational software will be an integral part of the curriculum -- and
as engaging as the best video game.
Last month we demonstrated how citizens and corporations can work together to
meet this national challenge. Through the private sector, by the end of this
school year all K-12 schools in California will have access to a world of
knowledge via the Internet, and fully 20% of the classrooms will be connected
to the information superhighway.
But California is only the beginning. On Tuesday, we discussed these issues
with corporate CEOs, including Ted Turner, George Lucas, Michael Eisner and
Gerald Levin and asked for their input on how we can best develop a
public-private plan to ensure that all our children are ready for the 21st
century. Please write to us with your ideas and join us in meeting this
national challenge.