Remarks at a National Education Strategy Briefing

Thank you all, and thank you for coming here to the White House. Let me just salute our Secretary of Education, Lamar Alexander, and say how much I'm relying on him. Not only has he and his new team formulated a plan that I think will be very well-received, but knowing him, he'll be driving us all to see that we follow through -- something I'm determined to do. But I salute him.

I had a meeting early on with the Governors who are here, and I thanked them. We're approaching this in a totally nonpartisan way. We have Democratic and Republican Governors in the meeting at the White House. They subsequently met with some of the business leaders who are here, and I salute them and thank them for taking the time in the leadership roles that they have undertaken. And I will salute the State legislators who are with us, our education community leaders, and other business leaders who didn't attend -- some of the small business leaders and others who have been involved in this from the very beginning.

So, we're dedicating this day, this kickoff day, to our new education strategy. And seeing everyone here tells me that there is a great sense of determination and support out there for what we'll be trying to do. There's a new optimism in this country, a renewal of a can-do spirit that made our country great. I can't think of a better reason to put this renewed sense of duty and confidence to work than for the sake of our children. Many of you have been doing that all your lives, and now the rest of us want to join in and do what we can to help.

We're on our way. Many of you in this room, Lamar tells me, have taken the crucial first steps and started programs to rejuvenate an education system that wasn't living up to our expectations. We've already moved beyond the days of issuing report after report about the dismal state of our schools. We don't need any more of those. Today we're trying to put the focus on the future and do something about this state of affairs.

This afternoon, I'll unveil an aggressive and innovative new education strategy. Some of you already know this, and maybe some don't, so let me just summarize for you the strategy in just a few sentences. For today's students, we must make existing schools better and more accountable. For tomorrow's students -- that's the next generation -- we must create a new generation of American schools. For all of us -- for the adults who think our school days are over -- we've got to become a nation of students, to recognize that learning is a lifelong process. Finally, outside our schools, we must cultivate communities where learning can happen. This strategy will bring us even closer to making sure that America's children receive the best education in the world.

We're not afraid of new ideas. And there are a lot of great ideas out there, out in the States and the cities and the communities, in the education and business communities. My job is to do everything in my power to give these ideas a chance. With Secretary Alexander and his strong new team, and with all of you, I think we're on our way to an exciting new chapter. I like to think of it as a true renaissance in American education.

All of you are also proof that this new education strategy just begins with our schools, that our dedication doesn't end when the bell rings at the end of every school day. Every single American has a stake in what we're starting today, and I am confident that we'll rise to the challenge.

Forty or fifty years from now, some fifth or sixth grader who's sitting in a classroom somewhere in America today will be standing here in my place. Because of the commitment that I am told exists in the Department of Education, here in this room, in the various communities represented, whether it's the Governors or business or some in labor so interested in all of this, or the State legislators -- because of that commitment, I know in my heart that that person -- she or he -- will have had every opportunity that this great country has to offer.

So, let's go to work. I know we can do it. And I'm with you all the way. Thank you so very much for your involvement. And may God bless this effort and our great country. Thank you all.