11.   And the key to keeping the middle class is to improve the schools.

12.   Arkansas voters, meanwhile, said they liked the way Clinton improved schools and forced teachers to show they were competent.

13.   As a result, little has been discussed about what candidates would do to improve the schools.

14.   Ashcroft was in Kansas City on Wednesday, speaking at a school on his proposals for improving failing schools through changes in federal funding.

15.   As in many other states, a robust national economy has helped state lawmakers create jobs, improve schools and reduce crime.

16.   Both candidates promised to expand access to health care, enact campaign finance reform, improve urban schools, direct resources to poor children and protect civil rights.

17.   Both parties have ideas for improving schools.

18.   All six of the major mayoral candidates have put improving the schools near the top of their campaign agendas.

19.   Bush promised to improve schools, strengthen Social Security and give prescription drug benefits to those on Medicare.

20.   But educators and political scientists said the prescriptions Clinton offers for improving schools are conservative.