Here is a transcript of Jeb Bush's speech at the RNC tonight, according to prepared remarks. (He deviated from the script at the beginning to address this issue.)
Jeb Bush: Welcome to Florida! Bienvenido a Florida!
This election is about the future of this nation. We can shape that future with what we do here, with what we do November 6.
We can restore America's greatness.
That starts with a strong economy, a smart energy policy, lower deficits, and a president who puts America's workers and job-creators first.
But to have a great future - a secure future - a future that is equal to our potential as a nation, we need to do something else.
We must make sure that our children and grandchildren are ready for the world we are shaping today.
It starts in our homes, in our communities, and especially in our schools.
As a candidate and Governor, I visited over 400 schools. I saw children read their first sentences. Solve their first long-division problems. Explore the miracles of chemistry and physics.
That's the essence of education - students getting a chance at a future.
There are many reasons to believe America's future is bright, but also reasons to worry.
Of 34 advanced nations in the world, American students rank 17th in science, 25th in math.
Only one-fourth of high school graduates are ready for their next steps.
China and India produce eight times more engineering students each year than the United States.
There is a moral cost to our failing schools.
We say that every child in America has an equal opportunity. Tell that to a kid in whose classroom learning isn't respected.
Tell that to a parent stuck in a school where there is no leadership. Tell that to a young, talented teacher who just got laid off because she didn't have tenure.
The sad truth is that equality of opportunity doesn't exist in many of our schools. We give some kids a chance, but not all.
That failure is the great moral and economic issue of our time. And it's hurting all of America.
I believe we can meet this challenge. (more…)
