U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today met with business leaders of the Business Coalition for Student Achievement to thank them for their support of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and to discuss the shared goal of reauthorizing NCLB this year. Secretary Spellings issued the following statement:

More than anyone, American business leaders understand that our education system must keep pace with the rising demands of the global knowledge economy. They recognize that the goal of No Child Left Behind - every child reading and doing math at grade level by 2014 - is essential to ensuring our future competitiveness and the quality of life of all Americans. By helping states and schools align educational goals with workforce needs, active, engaged business communities are making a meaningful difference in our schools.

Through high standards and accountability, No Child Left Behind is transforming education in America and helping to improve student achievement nationwide. The business community has been a tireless partner every step of the way, playing a key role in the passage of the law, working hard on the President's American Competitiveness Initiative, and supporting our efforts to renew the law this year.

I look forward to continued work with the Business Coalition for Student Achievement and other leaders to ensure that every student has the skills and knowledge they need to build a strong future and keep America a global leader.

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