In the just-released April 2012 edition of “School Days,” the monthly video journal of the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama calls for quick action by the Congress to avoid a dramatic increase in the interest rate for Federal college … Continue reading →

Each year, millions of students face the challenge of choosing a college – and how to afford it is increasingly daunting for families. For many, the high price tag of a college education may discourage them from pursuing a degree, … Continue reading →

On May 8, 2012, I traveled to New England and had an opportunity to meet with and talk and listen to with three distinct groups: students, faculty and staff at Dover High School (Dover, NH); senior administrators, including President Mark … Continue reading →

When Principal Roy Sandoval of Arizona’s Alchesay High School says that he and his staff do “whatever it takes” to create a safe and orderly environment for students to learn, he is not kidding around. “Safe and orderly is number … Continue reading →

As part of ED’s Secondary School Working Group, I’ve heard many speakers, read reams of research, and visited countless web sites to learn about student engagement – what is it that makes a student want to learn and stay in … Continue reading →

Initially, Benjamin White, a special education teacher candidate from Eastern Michigan University, didn’t know how to react. He thought he was going to spend Thursday morning on the phone with staff from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special … Continue reading →

Cross-posted from the White House Blog. When I ask my Dad about his childhood, he has little to say.  He says he grew up poor in a small Koreatown in rural Manchuria.  His father was a logger.  He was the … Continue reading →

Cross-posted from the White House Blog. When I ask my Dad about his childhood, he has little to say.  He says he grew up poor in a small Koreatown in rural Manchuria.  His father was a logger.  He was the … Continue reading →

As I entered the U.S. Department of Education building on the morning of May 9, something felt different. Many offices usually filled with buzzing conversations were empty. Many of my colleagues weren’t in the building. They were in area schools … Continue reading →

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’ve seen videos and read countless Tweets from students and former students thanking a teacher who made a difference for them. Over the last few days, I’ve been struck particularly by the number of excellent teachers … Continue reading →