U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will discuss new steps the Department is taking to help schools and districts provide students with access to a well-rounded education, create safe and supportive school environments, and improve the use of technology under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
On Friday morning, King visit Coolidge Senior High School in the nation's capital to give a guest lecture and lead a discussion with 12th grade U.S. Government students focusing on the importance of civic engagement as part of a well-rounded education for all students. Following the lecture, King will also hold a private meeting with school guidance counselors and social workers to talk about the importance of counselors in schools—a key component to supporting students and providing access to a well-rounded education.
Later in the afternoon, King will host a press call with partner organizations focused on the importance of a well-rounded education.
King, a former social studies teacher, delivered remarks at the National Press Club this week on the importance of civic education and engagement. In April, King delivered a speech in Las Vegas touting the importance of a well-rounded education that is inclusive of a wide-variety of disciplines such as the arts, computer science and technology, music, languages, sciences, social studies, civics, geography, physical education and health for students' success in college, career and life.
A recent survey found that elementary school students spend just 21 minutes a day on social studies, and just a little more on science. With the passage of ESSA, states, districts and schools have an opportunity to strike the right balance to create a comprehensive, well-rounded education and to do so in ways that ensure access and equity for all students.
For media planning to attend the event at Coolidge Senior High School, please RSVP to [email protected] as space is limited.