May 16, 2011

Statement from US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Chicago's new education team and proposed reform in Illinois

Previously posted on April 18, 2011


"I want to commend Chicago Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel for choosing a diverse and outstanding team to lead the Chicago Public Schools and take education reform forward. Like many schools districts, Chicago faces considerable educational and budgetary challenges, but the people announced today bring tremendous experience, knowledge and commitment to the job. I look forward to working closely with them in the months and years ahead to improve student outcomes and keep reform on track. I am equally enthusiastic about the groundbreaking reforms under consideration by the Illinois legislature. While states all across America are wrestling with difficult and complex educational issues from teacher evaluation and staffing to compensation and tenure, Illinois has steadily and effectively built consensus for real and meaningful change among all of the key stakeholders, and set a national example of constructive collaboration for other states to follow. By getting everyone involved, from state and local officials to teacher unions and advocacy groups, Illinois offers its parents and taxpayers the very real promise of better student outcomes, and I am very hopeful that these proposals become law."