Education Secretary says schools must make drastic changes to receive additional funds
From The Associated Press: U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says schools must make drastic changes to get money from a special $5 billion fund in the economic stimulus bill. Those who keep doing the same old thing, however, won't be eligible for the money, he says. Schools will be getting tens of billions more dollars through regular channels. On top of that, Duncan will have $5 billion to award for lasting reforms. To get an award, schools and states must show they have been spending their money wisely. They are supposed to find innovative ways to close the achievement gap that separates black and Latino children who lag from their white counterparts in more affluent schools.
EARLIER: President Obama says the nation must overhaul its education system and dramatically decrease the drop-out rate among students to remain competitive in the global economy. In an address to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Obama issued a challenge to states to increase the quality of reading and math instruction to keep American students at pace with other countries. It was the first major education speech Mr. Obama delivered since taking office seven weeks ago. Read The New York Times article.
President Barack Obama strongly condemned the state of public education Tuesday, calling for more charter schools, higher salaries for effective teachers and the faster firing of bad ones, an agenda that could put him at odds with some longtime Democratic stalwarts in teachers unions. Read The Los Angeles Times article.
President Obama sharply criticized the nation's public schools yesterday, calling for changes that would reward good teachers and replace bad ones, increase spending, and establish uniform academic achievement standards in American education. Read The Washington Post article.
