Speeches

The New Platform for Learning

I have to confess my wife and two children think it's pretty funny that I have been invited to talk about technology at a cutting-edge conference for innovators and entrepreneurs.

It's an understatement to say that I grew up in a technologically-challenged household. We didn't even have a TV when I was a kid. We were not what you would call "early-adopters."

Greening Our Schools

Thank you for that generous introduction, Tom [Boasberg]. You're doing a great job, and Denver is lucky to have you as their leader, promoting the green movement here. I want to thank as well my green schools team leaders at the Department, John McGrath and Andrea Falken, who are here with me today.

Teachers Get R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Today, we are formally launching Project RESPECT.

RESPECT is an acronym that stands for Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching. I've always believed that in education, we simply don't have enough acronyms yet—we needed one more!

All kidding aside, let me break down what RESPECT is all about:

Fighting the Wrong Education Battles

I was pleased to hear that today's event in the Askwith lecture series was sold-out. But I hope that no one here today is under the impression that they are going to hear from Lady Gaga. I'm the warm-up act—she is later this month.

Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at "For Democracy's Future" Forum at the White House

This is a great day and an important moment for education leaders who want to take civic learning to greater heights and expand its impact. And it is an important day for all of us who care about nurturing a vibrant democracy.

Time to Bring Your "A" Game—in Academics and Athletics

It is great to be back at the NCAA convention.

A few months ago, President Emmert said that 2011 was the best of times and the worst of times for college sports.

Leading a Life of Consequence

Thank you, Broncos for that welcome!

I am so glad to join you here because today we get to do something which should happen more often in education. Today, we get to celebrate success. To our graduates here, and to their families who have supported them on this journey, congratulations.

A Well-Rounded Curriculum in the Age of Accountability

Good morning and thank you for having me here today.

Educating the Next Generation of Native Leaders

Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to join you again this year, to take stock of our progress thus far together, and to set our sights on the road ahead.

Beyond the Iron Triangle: Containing the Cost of College and Student Debt

It's great to be back at the FSA conference.

I want to second Jim's remarks about the extraordinary job that financial aid administrators, working with the Obama Administration, have done to advance access, affordability, and attainment in the last three years. The effort—and the results—have been remarkable.