April 2011

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?