ASCD Responds to President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Statement from Gene R. Carter, Executive Director, ASCD
January 28, 2010
During last night’s State of the Union Address, President Obama spoke extensively about his plans for shoring up the nation’s long-term economic health. The more than 170,000 educators who belong to ASCD know that providing every child in America with a world-class education is central to any successful economic strategy. If the president refuses to accept second place for the United States, he and the Congress must work together to ensure that every child in America is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
In today’s competitive global arena, access to a high-quality, whole child education must no longer be the privilege of one’s zip code. It’s the fundamental right of every child in every community. As the president said, “In the 21st century, the best antipoverty program around is a world-class education. And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.”
Finally, investing in the skills and education of our people is not a partisan political issue. We stand ready to work with the president and the Congress on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary School Act in bringing effective, meaningful, and measurable reforms to every school.
Contact Information
- David Griffith, policy director, at 1-703-575-5621 or by e-mail
- Barbara Michelman, communications director, at 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail