Interview with US Secretrary of Education Arne Duncan

Good morning, 

Please keep sending in your 9/11 posts . I will begin posting more this evening and all weekend.  The interview with Secretary Duncan is listed below.  Again, my thanks to his staff for their help, especially Ms. Gast. 

RJ

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Remarks from US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

2011 Kids News Ohio Interview

Question: Why is there a Department of Education, and what does it do?

To me, the quality of the public education we offer our children, youth and adults is the most important issue facing America. A well-educated America is the foundation for economic success, equal opportunity, and the preservation of our democratic values.

Our Department’s employees are dedicated to:

• Establishing policies related to the federal education funds provided by Congress, as well as administering the distribution of funds and monitoring how funds are used;
• Collecting data and overseeing research on America's schools;
• Identifying major issues in education and focusing national attention on them; and
• Enforcing federal laws prohibiting discrimination, in the programs that receive federal funds.

The Department of Education has historically had the smallest staff of all the agencies in the President’s Cabinet, and today our federal budget represents only about 8% of all the funds spent on education in this country – the rest comes from state and local government. However, our mission is to ensure that every student in America receives a world-class education, and we are proud to support states and communities as they work toward this goal.

Question: What do you do as Secretary of Education?

To achieve the mission of providing children a world-class education, the Department is supporting states as they lead efforts to reform their schools.

All of the work is focused around a goal that President Obama set for the country shortly after he took office. He wants America to lead the world in college completion by the end of the decade. It means producing 10 million more graduates from community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. And, it means creating opportunities for every American to complete at least a year of higher education or advanced training in his or her lifetime.

Achieving this goal will take courageous work, great commitment, and unprecedented capacity all across the country – and teachers, principals and community leaders are already responding in extraordinary ways. My role as Secretary is to support the innovative work happening across the country and find ways to spread those great ideas for others to try. My work includes meeting with students and parents, talking with teachers and school leaders, giving speeches at graduations and conferences, answering questions from the public on Facebook and Twitter, announcing new grants to improve early childhood education, working with Congress on legislation to improve the law that governs federal K-12 education funds, hearing from corporate and nonprofit groups that help to fund education, and working with President Obama to shape new policies and programs. Whatever I’m doing, I’m always focused on helping this country meet the 2020 goal.

Question: What do you like about being the Secretary of Education?

From my earliest years growing up in my mom’s afterschool program for kids in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, I came to believe that education is one of the best antipoverty programs. I am honored to work closely with the President to provide students with the education they need to succeed in the future.

Question: I am doing a project on 9/11 on my blog. How do you think growing up after 9/11 has been different for kids now compared to kids who were in school before 9/11?

In many ways, as members of the post-9/11 generation, you and your peers are growing up in a different world than the one prior generations of students experienced.

But some very important things haven’t changed. Earlier generations of Americans overcame great tests. All of us in post-9/11 America must show similar courage and resilience in overcoming the challenges of our time. Our communities are secure and capable of withstanding whatever dangers may come – be they terrorist attacks, natural disasters, difficult economic times, or other challenges. Our values have endured for more than two centuries, and they are stronger than any threat. Our nation draws strength from diversity, including Americans of different races and religions. We Americans can do whatever we set our mind to – not just because of our power, but because of who we are: one nation, joined in the work of pursuing a more perfect union. Your generation is no exception.

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 will be a milestone for America – a moment to reflect on the last 10 years while also looking forward. As we remember those who were lost on 9/11, we also honor all victims of terrorism, as well as all the first responders, service men and women, diplomats, aid workers, and other volunteers at home and abroad who are striving to prevent future attacks – by putting unprecedented pressure on al Qaeda; strengthening our homeland defenses; building international partnerships; and demonstrating America’s affirmative support for peace, security, prosperity, and universal rights around the globe.