Speeches

DREAM Act Testimony

Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Cornyn and members of the subcommittee:

Thank you for the opportunity to come here today to talk about the DREAM Act. As you know, the Obama administration strongly supports this legislation, which historically has enjoyed support from both sides of the aisle.

Making the Middle Grades Matter

I'm pleased to be here this evening for a couple of reasons.

Schools to Watch is doing absolutely invaluable work in the middle grades. You are helping to lead the field in middle grade reform—and as a nation, we do far too little to celebrate success in education.

Lessons from High-Performing Countries

I welcome this opportunity to reflect on what the United States can learn from the nations with the best-performing education systems. My thanks to Marc Tucker and the National Center on Education and the Economy for having me here today.

Res Non Verba--Deeds, Not Words

Thank you, Jermaine--and my thanks to the Student Government Association and to all of the class of 2011 for having me here today.

First things first--let me just say how disappointed Secretary Duncan was that he couldn't make the trip today. But he asked me to convey his praise and pride for the hard work that brought you to this graduation day and earning your degree.

Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the Release of the National Institute for Early Education Research Report, "The State of Preschool 2010"

Note: Speaker deviated from prepared remarks.

I am pleased to be joining NIEER at the release of their annual State of Preschool report because early childhood education is so central to our children and our nation's future. Yet for all of the importance of early childhood education, NIEER's 2010 State of Preschool report reveals some troubling trends.

Rigor, Relevance, and the Future of Career and Technical Education

We're at a time when Americans everywhere are asking some very tough questions about education. But it all comes down to one: What will it take to dramatically improve public education in America?

Math Teachers: The Nation Builders of the 21st Century

I want to start by thanking you. All of you here today have dedicated your lives to the classroom and your students.

I know that you could have chosen easier jobs – and everyone knows there are plenty of better paying jobs--especially people with your high level of mathematical knowledge.

Opening Remarks of Arne Duncan at Indiana Town Hall with Governor Mitch Daniels

Thank you for having me here today.

I'm here at a time when Americans everywhere are asking some very tough questions of themselves -- and it all comes down to this: What will it take to dramatically improve public education in America?

The Next Generation of Civics Education

I want to extend my thanks to the many people here today who are on the frontlines of the effort to strengthen and reinvigorate civics education.

It's a special privilege to be here with one of my heroes, Justice O'Connor. After more than twenty years on the bench, everyone would have understood if she withdrew from public life and took up quieter pursuits. But she didn't.

The Road Less Traveled

Thank you, Elise. And thanks to United Way LA for convening this Summit, and for its steadfast commitment to driving education reform here.

I believe that this Summit is timed just right, because the public school system of Los Angeles is at a crossroads today.