U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today delivered remarks at the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) symposium "Closing the Achievement Gap in Education and Employment Outcomes for At-Risk Minority Youth" at the Columbus Club at Union Station in Washington, D.C. The symposium, lead by Chair of the JAG Board of Directors and Maine Governor John Baldacci, provides a forum for policymakers and education experts to discuss proven solutions and advance efforts to close achievement gaps. Secretary Spellings discussed student achievement under No Child Left Behind and continuing efforts to close the achievement gap and improve graduation rates.

"This is the first time in the history of American education that we're able to talk about achievement for all students in terms of facts and realities, not just hopes or habits," Secretary Spellings said. "All of this is because of NCLB. We're seeing progress in the early grades because that's where we've focused our efforts, but older students need more help. I'm glad that JAG is working to help us become a 'nation without dropouts.'"

"Improvement starts with taking an honest look at what's working—and what's not," Secretary Spellings said. "That's why in April, I proposed regulations to ensure that all states use the same formula to calculate how many students graduate from high school on time—and how many drop out. By shining a light on which students drop out, when, and where, we will not only better diagnose this crisis... we'll be on our way to ending it."

JAG is a non-profit organization and youth development program dedicated to helping at-risk youth graduate from high school and make a successful transition to postsecondary education or meaningful employment. JAG has served over 600,000 youth since its inception in 1980 and is currently helping 45,000 young people in 800 high schools, middle schools, community colleges, alternative schools and other locations in 30 states to achieve academic, career and life success.

JAG's mission is to establish state organizations committed to implementing the JAG Model for both in-school and out-of-school young people. JAG Model Programs deliver a unique set of services to targeted youth in high school, including 12 months of post-graduation follow-up services that will result in the graduate pursuing a post-secondary education and/or entering the workforce in a quality job leading to a career.

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