Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued the following statement today, recognizing National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6-10, 2012.

I want to salute the thousands of professionals across the country engaged in school counseling. Every day, these unsung heroes in American education help millions of students sidestep the roadblocks of life. They help them succeed, achieve their dreams, reach their potential, explore their curiosity and more.

In today's knowledge economy, when earning an advanced degree has never been more important, counselors play a critical role in preparing our students for higher education. Every day, counselors in schools across the country help guide millions of students to graduation and ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to go to college, from choosing a school to preparing financial aid forms and securing scholarships. Their guidance empowers our children to reach their fullest potential, and their work will help us move closer to achieving the President's goal of leading the world in college graduates by 2020.