New Challenges, a New Resolve: Moving American Education into the 21st Century. The Sixth Annual State of American Education Speech.

Overview & Synopsis

This speech by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley discusses how education is improving as the country moves into the 21st century. Section 1 sums up the United States' history of giving millions of Americans the education so long denied to them (immigrants, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and women). Section 2 examines a new realism mixed with hope for the 21st century, explaining the country's current willingness to take an honest accounting of its situation; understanding of changes being experienced and challenges ahead; and resolve to overcome the challenges and offer all children a quality education. Section 3 discusses where U.S. education is today, explaining that new academic standards are being established in 48 states, and 2 states have raised standards at the local level. Section 4 discusses the importance of emphasizing the early years of childhood and the basics of education, noting the need for parent participation. Section 5 discusses the need to create a democracy of excellence for the 21st century by providing new levels of accountability and raising achievement for all students. Section 6 describes how to reinvigorate the teaching profession. Section 7 discusses recruiting America's future teachers. Section 8 discusses preparing teachers for modern classrooms. Section 9 describes the need to retain, support, and reward teachers. Section 10 discusses how to spark creativity and innovation. (SM)