As part of his first month in office, Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John King will launch an "Opportunity Across America" tour to meet with students, teachers, principals, parents and community leaders in four states and Washington, D.C.
The tour will start in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, and continue with visits to Houston, Texas; Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Wilmington, Delaware. King will use the tour to highlight good work going on in schools and communities across the country and to hear stories, experiences and insights about what's working and where there is more work to be done. The events will focus on King's top priorities for the next year: promoting equity and excellence at every level of education to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed; supporting and lifting up the teaching profession; and continuing the Department's focus on returning America to the top of the rankings in college completion by ensuring more students earn an affordable degree with real value.
Preliminary details of the tour activities follow, with additional information and exact timing for each site to be released as it becomes available. Most events will include a media availability with King and local officials.