Although the basics - reading, writing, and math - continue to be the foundation of education, there are three more R's that will ultimately help us ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend a great public school: responsibility, respect and results.

• Responsibility: The responsibility of providing every student with a high-quality public education must be shared among educators, parents, elected officials, and the community.
• Respect: Students and educators both need and deserve a safe learning environment, free from bullying and intimidation of any kind.
• Results: Where Maryland schools are making strides closing the achievement gaps, it is a result of collaboration to address every student's needs, plus a sustained commitment to provide the resources needed to do so. Ultimately, though, federal officials need to provide fewer rigid mandates and punishments - and instead offer more flexibility and rewards - under the No Child Left Behind Act, so that local communities can decide what is best for their children.

With shared responsibility and respect, we'll be able to produce consistent results for all of our children!