Why was education secretary Arne Duncan recently in the news?”
Education Secretary Arne Duncan called Hurricane Katrina “the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans” because it forced the community to take steps to improve low-performing public schools, according to excerpts from a television interview made public Friday. This Story * Education secretary calls Katrina good for New Orleans schools * Answer Sheet: What did he say? Katrina good for New Orleans schools? Duncan’s interview on “Washington Watch With Roland Martin” was scheduled to air Sunday on TV One. The excerpts quoted an exchange between Duncan and Martin about the effect of the 2005 hurricane on the city’s schools. Martin was quoted as saying: “What’s amazing is New Orleans was devastated because of Hurricane Katrina, but because everything was wiped out, in essence, you are building from ground zero to change the dynamics of education in that city.” Duncan was quoted as replying: “It’s a fascinating one. I spent a lot of time in New Orleans, and this is a t
Education Secretary Arne Duncan Says Merit Pay Should Be Tied to Student Growth The education secretary tackles teacher pay, student performance, and principal training By Kim Clark Posted December 15, 2009 With billions in stimulus funding, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has more power to create change in the nation’s schools than any of his predecessors. Before taking his current post, Duncan was CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. During his tenure there, reading and math scores set new records, and the number of high school students taking Advanced Placement courses more than tripled. Now he faces the challenge of prodding school districts around the country to improve student performance while local school budgets are tanking. U.S. News Senior Writer Kim Clark asked Duncan how leadership will help him reform American education in the midst of a recession. Listen to a podcast of this interview. Excerpts: Click here to find out more! You’re spending $5 billion on educational innovat
