The U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, addressed the American Institute of Architects on the problem of school safety resulting from building age and/or building code violations. The Secretary stated that the problem is a large national embarrassment and reveals the Clinton Administration's response through new construction bonds and tax credits for holders of these bonds. Mr. Riley indicated that the school construction explosion is beginning and that this affords architects and their colleagues an opportunity to create better and more engaging learning environments. Finally, the Secretary stated that the Administration is seeking new ways to engage Americans in the process of school designs that can be vital centers of the community, and challenges architects to build buildings that not only accommodates the schools' functional needs, but can lift children up towards the information age. (GR)