COE to Show Obama Address
Due to technical difficulties, the SCCOE was unable to broadcast President
Obama’s back-to-school address to students on Tuesday, September 8. However,
the White House Web site has announced the video will be available for
viewing, with a link at that site.
The
transcript of the speech also is available.
For more information on the address, see the letter below from U.S. Secretary
of Education Arne Duncan:
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A Back-to-School Message from Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education:
In a recent
interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced
that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America –
he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of
education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational
goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a
shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and
educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education
possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live
rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.
Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as
the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression
and major challenges on issues like energy and health care. The President
believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the
American economy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed
on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.
This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s
school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to
use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school
year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in
watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It
will be broadcast live on the White House website
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ at 12:00 p.m. eastern standard time.
In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a
menu of classroom activities for students in grades
preK-6 and for students in grades
7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students
and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are
also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest
will be available on our website
http://www.ed.gov/ in the coming
weeks.
On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most
important work by preparing our children for work and for life. No other task
is more critical to our economic future and our social progress. I look forward
to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the
quality of public education we provide all of our children.
Date last updated: September 8, 2009
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