On Monday, the Obama Administration will be sending Congress its blueprint for education reform said President Obama in his weekly video address. A couple of points from Obama’s video address Saturday are:
- Much of America’s success in the 20th Century was due to a great educational system that focused on science
- Other nations around the world are investing in education because they know how important it is
- States will compete for funding in as way to improve standards and the quality of teaching
- Schools that achieve excellence will be rewarded
- Teachers will be better trained, better supported and be treated as professionals
- All students should graduate from high school and be prepared for college and a career
Obviously the Republicans aren’t on board and are awaiting to play politics as usual, while the American Federation of Teachers is “surprised” by the proposal. It’s time to move on from the failed No Child Left Behind where children are taught to pass a achievement test instead of being given an education.
With a goal of having every child read at grade level by 2014, No Child Left Behind has been criticized by current Education Secretary Arne Duncan as “utopian” and as failing to properly reward schools for progress.
Here is the text from Obama’s address this weekend or you can watch the video below.