Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement regarding the President’s upcoming speech, and accompanying classroom activities and lesson plans, to be broadcast into classrooms around the country on September 8th: 
 
“It’s important to teach our children about the value of learning and setting goals for their future.  However, as a former school board president, I also believe strongly in local control when it comes to creating curriculum and guiding our children in the classroom.  That’s why I share the concerns raised by parents in my district about the President’s plans to address our students next week in public classrooms around the country.
 
“There simply hasn’t been any open discussion or transparency of what our kids will be asked to view and study.  Many parents don’t even know that their child may be evaluated academically on how well they absorb an elected official’s remarks.  In this case, the Administration’s suggested classroom activities for the speech include reading books about President Obama and asking students what President Obama is inspiring them to do.  
 
“With no opportunity to review the text of the President’s remarks, it’s little wonder why parents and educators are concerned that the Administration could be sending kids a thinly-veiled political lesson rather than simply encouraging students to fulfill their potential.  Already, I’ve heard from parents who feel compelled to keep their children at home.  This is exactly why the federal government rightfully steers away from dictating educational agendas to local schools.
 
“I think parents, educators, and -- most importantly -- students would be better served if the White House gave the public ample opportunity to review the speech in advance, and left the lesson plans to the teachers.  The American President is an important role model for students, but parents should be able to rest assured that when they send their son or daughter to school, no one will be telling them which political leaders to follow.  That’s why I join my colleagues on the House Education and Labor Committee in calling on the White House to simply release this speech and let parents make an informed decision about what material is appropriate for their children and how best to participate in their children’s lessons at home.”
 
Editor’s Note – On September 2, 2009, House Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member John Kline (MN-02) and GOP Policy Committee Chair Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11) sent a letter to President Obama calling for full public disclosure of the planned remarks and any supplemental materials or activities that the White House is encouraging school leaders and students to complete.  For more information or to read the text of the letter, click here.  To view the Department of Education’s suggested classroom activities for the day of the speech, click here.

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